Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting the HoloCenter, which recently moved onto the corner of Broadway and Dederick street at 518 Broadway. They currently have a show called IRIDESCENCE on display until December 10th 2023. It features the holograms of talented artists across the world, taking their own approach to the art form. As a result, I feel as though this show is a valuable introduction to the world of holography and the various ways it can utilized to create art. Holograms are artworks of light, projected through a unique surface to appear as a three-dimensional image. Each piece in IRIDESCENCE is enhanced by shifting perspectives. All three axes are utilized when it comes to viewing these pieces, and different artworks can be viewed in their own unique ways depending on the perspectives the artists wanted to utilize.
The closest artworks you see upon entering are the works of August Muth on the left wall. His own holograms make use of a wide range of motion and perspectives, prominently featuring geometric shapes on different planes. Muth’s works are a standout introduction to holography. A newcomer to the art would be able to understand the massive potential of holography from viewing Muth’s deeply complex work. One particular piece of his has two perfectly round rings sharing a space together. There are rounded breaks within the glass canvas which lend themselves to the layers within this piece. The ring in the background appears to reach deeper into the furthest layer. Videos of this piece are below, but I would recommend seeing it with your own eyes to fully grasp the perspective it offers.
The work of Pascal Gauchet also spoke to me with his works from his Random Memories series. Gauchet is an experienced creative photographer, and when it comes to photography I love the practice of capturing memories. Caillac is a standout piece to me, taking the appearance of an ominous 3D photograph of two heads set against a foggy black backdrop. The heads face different directions, wear different accessories, and are completely different colors. They overlap each other and shift realistically as you position yourself around the piece like a ghost of a memory. Being new to the art of holography, Gauchet’s work was an awakening moment that put the potential of the relationship of photography and holography into perspective.
The final piece I consider to be a personal favorite is Betsy Connors’ piece Light Reef, a mosaic of coral reefs and their weakened state as caused by pollution in the ocean. Light Reef calls attention to the endangered state coral across the globe is in with windows to these precious lifeforms. The fragmented landscape moves to your eyes as you look across the piece and in some small way it takes you to that coral reef with its branching life. The execution is beautiful and the presentation is mesmerizing.
While I fawn over the technology and appearance of these holographic works, the videos truly do not do it justice. I strongly recommend not only seeing IRIDESCENCE at the Holocenter before it ends in December, but also to witness the later exhibitions and future of this new facility. There are many works of art I haven’t mentioned that deserve more attention, so please enjoy a visit to the Holocenter at 518 Broadway Street in Kingston!
