HELIA RAFIE
CHORA
2024
Two-month residency & exhibition at Bierumerschool
Interactive multimedia installation
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Documentation film of CHORA opening at Bierumer School by Sergo Babasjants
After a two-month residency at the Bierumer School, the "CHORA" installation emerges as an artistic interrogation of Space and place. Inspired by the freedom of 3D digital spaces, "CHORA" serves as a physical manifestation of a digital-native mind that seeks to transpose the fluidity and lawlessness of virtual spaces into tangible forms.
Each piece of the installation appears as an assemblage of various materials and forms. From the polyurethane foam that oozes and expands unpredictably, to the juxtaposition of hard metal and soft textures, every element seems to be in dialogue with each other—challenging the viewer's perceptions of materiality and structure. The interplay of colors, ranging from industrial greys and metallic sheen to bursts of iridescent hues, captures the unpredictability and dynamism inherent in the digital era.
carrying with it the energy and chaotic force of the process itself. "CHORA" is an installation that acts as a spatial dialogue, a conversation in form and concept with the environment it inhabits. The term 'chora' is derived from ancient Greek philosophy, denoting a space that is neither here nor there, a receptacle, a space that is fluid and can be moulded. The installation captures this fluidity, this potential for transformation, by incorporating disparate elements that come together to create a cohesive whole.
The installation plays with the concept of Chora as an intermediate space. It's neither fully one thing nor the other, but a dialogue between materials, ideas, and the spectator’s imagination.
On the ground floor, "CHORA" challenges traditional spatial configurations, inviting viewers to navigate a landscape of reimagined materials and forms. From repurposed foams to incongruent assemblies of cement and wood, each element defies its conventional use, adopting new, often 'incorrect', but intriguing roles. The wooden structures serve as both the framework and canvas, with surfaces displaying painted scenes and attached objects.
The pieces evoke a sense of growth and decay—highlighting the transient nature of existence and the constant flux of the physical and digital worlds. In some aspects, they reflect a dystopian vision of the future, while in others, they suggest the potential for new forms of beauty and understanding to emerge from chaos.
The incorporation of foam in various forms suggests a tactile softness against the rigid wood, offering a contrast that is visually appealing and thought-provoking. Key features include cut-outs and protruding elements that break the continuity of the wooden panels, inviting the viewer to peer through and beyond, Some pieces are suspended, adding a kinetic aspect that suggests motion and change, while others are grounded, providing stability and a sense of permanence.
The cutouts function as a visual gateway to a secondary layer of the artwork. Inside this cutout, a smaller installation resides, composed of various sculptures illuminated by LED lights. This creates a contrast between the exterior's industrial textures and the interior's possibly more refined or fantastical presentation.
