Sylvia Eckermann and Gerald Nestler

Museum Stein, Minoritenplatz 4, 3504 Krems-Stein, Austria | 2008 - 2008
Projection, 5 channel audio system, golden mirrors, interface, 1 computer size 4x4x2.5m

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In Ninth Heaven or The Far End of Europe is created on the story of the astonishing life of a Jesuit monk from Krems/Stein, Andreas Koffler, who went to China as a missionary and became court member of the last Ming emperor.

Fluctuating between the early Baroque and late Ming/early Qing eras, the artwork explores a rather brief but at the same time multi-faceted period of enlightened dialogue between Europe and China characterised by respectful exchange. This historic episode took place at a time troubled by the Thirty Years' War, the Inquisition and the Counter-Reformation on the one side, and insurgences that led to the demise of the Ming and brought the Qing dynasty to power on the other.

The dialogue unfolded by the Jesuits of the China mission in the 17th century has inspired Europe as well as China. It was celebrated by the philosopher an polymath Gottfried Leibnitz and influenced the Arts and the Sciences as well as cultural and social patterns of both civilizations. And it has informed how the West perceives the "Middle Kingdom" up to the present day.

In Ninth Heaven turns fascinating historic records and illustrations into a virtual journey. Moreover, the art work incorporates its 3D real-time display system into a specially designed architecture that appears to be in motion. Embraced by the 'media body' as if it were a third skin, the visitors create their own journey and thius their own space of imagination.

This 3D HistoryScape raises questions about centre and periphery, cultural integration and exclusion. It reflects what it means to live in-between identities and conformities and transition from from one to another. Time, space and gravity dissolve for a moment, giving way to the experience of another horizon.

Credits

Sylvia Eckermann : concept, installation, 3D-art
Gerald Nestler : concept, research, text

Peter Szely : composition and sound-architecture

Doron Goldfarb : programming
Josef Wienerroither : additional 3D-objects
Eduard Wildner, Frederic Lion: voiceover

Supported by:
Land Niederösterreich, SKE austromechana, BOSE GesmbH


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