Memo Akten (TR) → Simple Harmonic Motion for Lights at the Czech Museum of Music

  • Installation

About project

Simple Harmonic Motion is an ode to chaos and order in which science, technology, culture, ethics, tradition or religion clash. He is inspired by natural and mathematical phenomena as the founder of music minimalism Steve Reich, the representative of the absolute film John Whitney and experimental composer John Cage.

Memo Akten remembers her youth in Istanbul and has himself carrying away by Verse Veli Kanih, which reads: “I listen to Istanbul with my eyes closed…” Clash of culture, cultural diversity of the city, contrasts. Progressive versus conservative, liberal versus authoritarian, decadent versus moral or human versus machine opposites. All in one place, in the same city, in the same streets and buildings. Conflict which is growing continuously in coexistence. Incredible scientific and technological progress is changing us, but deep in our souls we remain the same ordinary people who are only trying in vain to understand the world around them and find harmony.

Simple Harmonic Motion calls for a values revolution and a reconciliation of science and spirituality. Light blends with music, and hypnotic music enhances darkness.  So, an imaginary altar of our new era is set up, which bets on the viewer’s strong contemplation, meditation, and introspection. Mathematics is perceived as magic, and magic is reflected back in mathematics. The algorithm is a ritual. And the ritual itself is an algorithm.

Tickets to the Gallery Zone are available online and on-site at all gallery locations and info points for 250 CZK . Children from 6 to 15 years old and seniors from 65 years of age have 50 CZK discount.

About artist

Memo Akten is an artist, scientist and passionate mathematician from Istanbul. He is interested in clashes of nature, science, technology, ethics, tradition or religion. His work includes moving images, video, sound and light installations and performances. He draws inspiration from physics, molecular and evolutionary biology, ecology, neuroscience, anthropology, sociology and philosophy. He has exhibited at the Victoria & Albert Museum, Barbican in London, the Grand Palais in Paris, the Royal Opera House in London and the Lisbon Architecture Triennale. He is currently studying a doctoral program at Goldsmiths University in London, where he dedicates artificial intelligence and human-machine interaction.

Supported by

  • Re:Beam

  • Robe

  • Czech Museum of Music