Dancing Through Pendulums
Alessandro Ilarda
Jun 13, 2014
Based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, William Forsythe is a world-renowned choreographer as well as an artist. He recently unveiled his latest choreographic object – and it’s nothing short of brilliant.
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Titled “Nowhere and Everywhere at the Same Time No. 2,”the installation consists of hundreds of suspended pendulums that swing in timed sequences, placed in an old municipal market space.
Impromptu Dance
When you walk through the market place, these rows of swinging weight or plumbobs force you to duck, dodge and dart, resulting in an impromptu dance of sorts. This is a truly exceptional concept and comes as no surprise because Forsythe is known for his unique blend of choreography and artwork where the viewer often becomes a participant in his interactive installations.
The Exhibit
Located at Circus Street Market to highlight the annual arts festival of England called the Brighton Festival, this installation was unveiled on May 25, 2014. The installation pretty much achieves what every DJ strives for relentlessly: getting everyone in one room to dance, whether they like it or not. Even if you can’t dance, the exhibit is good for practicing your advanced avoidance strategies for free.
The Elegant Dangle
Although you’d imagine a chaotic setting full of crazy suspended pendulums, that’s not how this installation is. The hundreds of hanging pendulums have been programmed to elegantly dangle and twist in choreographed sequences. The visitors though, do look a retarded, dipping and popping like they were erratically dancing to some high BPM music.
Spreading The Smiles
Even though the visitors’ dances are nothing close to graceful, the onlookers definitely had a smile on their faces. The exhibit is completely playful, and some kids may even take side-stepping the pendulums are a game of sorts. Swinging in criss-crossing directions, the pendulums are interestingly not set to music – letting the footsteps and laughter take the first seat.
