Dear Kaabi, we are very pleased to speak with you about your fascinating animation, which is based on scientific studies of water quality. Your work impressively combines scientific insights with artistic dynamism. I would like to ask you a few questions to better understand the creation process of your work and the underlying concepts.
– What is interesting about joining a light and media art project in Gelsenkirchen?
Having worked in several light projects, I think this will be an opportunity to both work with a new environment and explore new types of architecture and landscape.
– Why did you agree to join this year’s GOLDSTÜCKE edition?
I wanted to have the opportunity to explore light art projects and see how artwork, specifically my artwork, fits within the festival, as it aligns closely with the overall theme.
– How does the context of Gelsenkirchen (or the specific festival location) inform your piece? Are there local elements or aspects you’ve incorporated?
To this point, working with something from a distance has been the greatest challenge. To overcome the aspect of distance, working closely with the curator and the team, as well as using the Google Map tour and visuals they provided, allowed me to have a better vision of what the artwork would look like and how it can move within the space.
– Can you walk us through your creative process for this piece, from initial ideas to the concept to the final execution?
The artistic process for this piece came within the context of the Interference light art project, under the theme Water Matter. Working around the theme of water triggered my curiosity to explore water data and how it can be generated and transformed—essentially turning water from numbers into visuals. The experimentation with data on the potability of water led to creating forms that follow the movement of water.
– How does this work relate to or depart from your broader artistic practice?
My academic background is in social and cultural anthropology, and this approach of research-based art triggered a new artistic vision and practice. The transformation of research and data into visuals began with this project and continued with other artworks. I started using the same methodology of collecting data, not necessarily in numbers, but translating them into an expression and a visual.
– How do you approach creating art for public spaces? What unique challenges and opportunities does this present?
Within my career, I have rarely worked within a gallery or other alternative spaces other than public ones. I have always admired the power of working within a public place. Public places have specific needs, and you can’t impose visuals onto them. What is interesting is that you have to explore and study public places beforehand, which includes not only their history and architectural specificity, but also the social and cultural interactions of the spectators as part of the artistic process. It gives more opportunity to the public to enjoy and question artworks.
– How does your artistic practice engage with light and media as mediums? What drew you to work with these elements?
I worked essentially with light as a medium in most of the artworks I did to this day. Media came a bit later within my artistic process. But to say light and media is a challenging medium is the least; within the challenges it puts you through, it has a way of giving opportunities and mixing the media.
– What technologies are you employing in this work? How do they contribute to your artistic vision?
I worked with TouchDesigner and I think it’s one of the best tools because it gives a wide opportunity to experiment and explore different mediums and different methodologies.
– Looking ahead, how do you see light and media art evolving in response to our changing world? What future directions excite you in this field?
I think light art has the power to sustain an equilibrium of the art world, because in its ways it holds an opportunity of exchange between other types of mediums and art forms. You can mix light and media art with sculptures and physical artworks, you can work through artificial intelligence and use it to push creative limits.
– How do you hope viewers will interact with or experience your work? What do you want them to take away from it?
I hope viewers will engage with the visual representation of water quality data in my work. As Water.dat is a generative visual data projection, I want the audience to experience the dynamic interplay between scientific information and artistic expression. I hope they’ll reflect on the importance of water quality and how data can be transformed into an immersive visual experience. Ideally, viewers will leave with a heightened awareness of the connection between scientific research and artistic interpretation, as well as a deeper appreciation for the complexity of water as a resource.
– Are there any other artists or works in this year’s festival program that particularly resonate with you?
I am curious to explore and engage with all the artists and their artworks. As an artist participating in this festival, I’m excited about the opportunity to see how other creators approach light and media art. Each artist’s unique perspective and interpretation of the theme can offer new insights and inspiration. I’m looking forward to experiencing the diverse range of installations, understanding the different techniques and technologies used, and seeing how other artists interact with the urban spaces of Gelsenkirchen-Buer. This exploration of fellow artists’ works is not only enriching for my own practice but also contributes to the collaborative spirit of the festival.
– Do you have any recommendations for the audience?
I would recommend that the audience approach the works, especially mine, with an open mind and a willingness to engage with both the artistic and scientific aspects of the pieces. For Water.dat, I’d suggest viewers take time to observe how the visuals change and evolve, reflecting on how this relates to the underlying water quality data. Additionally, I’d encourage the audience to explore the various locations and artworks throughout the festival, as each piece likely offers a unique perspective on light and media art. Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek more information about the scientific basis of the artworks—understanding the context can greatly enhance the viewing experience.