Blindfolded art

Spier in association with VISI is pleased to present the highly anticipated solo exhibition, The Blind Astronomer, by artist Berco Wilsenach. We are also giving 10 readers the chance to attend the VIP exhibition opening, which includes a blindfolded wine tasting. To whet your mental appetite, we spoke to Berco.

This exhibition is four years in the making, how has the initial idea changed and grown to become this final product?

 The concept for the work arose from an obvious and almost superficial connection between Braille and star charts: each uses a coding system of dots to convey information. From this seeming visual resemblance, I came up with the idea of a blind astronomer.

 Themes about the priority we give to sight and how language is a medium for conveying information arose, and I started exploring overthrowing and questioning existing conventions.

 The use of star charts in the project also forced me to study the existing conventions of cartography. These conventions are themselves a frame of reference that we as humans have created to understand nature, but not nature itself. 

How will gallery goers experience this immersive exhibition?

The exhibition consists of three components that are spatially separated, but conceptually interrelated to each other.

The first space is filled by a large-scale installation that the viewer can move through. The successive glass panels create the spatial effect of infinity; the stars in the sky appear to float in the darkness.

The second space is an accurate star atlas for the blind as well as a “star table”. It involves two interactive tables with glass panels depicting different parts of the night sky, which can be manipulated by the viewer.

In the last space, the focus shifts to be about the conventional representation of the universe. The works are in stone and glass.

What do you hope that viewers walk away with after seeing the exhibition?

The project relies to a large extent on the synaesthetic exchange of senses. You must feel to see to understand. Hopefully this will inspire people to start looking (and touching) again… Even if it is only for a short while.

What will your next project be?

I am currently working on a large-scale permanent installation for the University of Pretoria to be completed as soon as possible. I also have an exhibition in September at Circa Gallery in Johannesburg.

The Blind Astronomer shows at the Museum of Art and Design, 281 Commissioner Street, Johannesburg, from 7 to 27 March. There are artist walkabouts at 3pm on
9, 10, 16 and 23 March. Website: www.bercowilsenach.com

To be one of the 10 readers that attend the VIP opening on 6 March, including the indulgent blindfolded wine tasting, share this post on one of your social networks – Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ or Linkedin – by midnight on Monday 4 March and tell us that you have in the comments below.