Pipilotti Rist: A la belle étoile

Lower Level Galleries

October 06, 2012 — March 24, 2013

Internationally acclaimed artist Pipilotti Rist is highly regarded for optically exuberant work that engages viewers through immersive video productions. This fall, the Henry presents Rist’s large scale projection A la belle étoile, in collaboration with Seattle Art Museum and its exhibition Elles: Women Artists from the Centre Pompidou, Paris.

Rist’s installation transforms the gallery space by projecting moving images onto the floor and setting a dynamic array of perspectives into motion. As the video shifts from microcosms, such as close ups of individual bodies, to macrocosms, including views of the stars and planets, the artist creates a visually fluid and sonically hypnotic zone that aims to induce a sense of weightlessness in the viewer, who becomes a part of the work.

The Henry is thrilled to launch its fall season with this influential Swiss artist. Presentation of Pipilotti Rist meets the Henry’s artistic goals to engage a broad audience with innovative contemporary works in a variety of media. A la belle étoile was commissioned by the Centre Pompidou in 2007 in celebration of the institution’s 30th anniversary. The exhibition is the first major presentation of work by Rist in the Pacific Northwest.

ARTISTS

Pipilotti Rist

CREDITS

Pipilotti Rist: A la belle étoile is organized by the Henry in collaboration with the Seattle Art Museum as part of a city-wide celebration of French art and culture and the contributions of women artists. Presentation at the Henry is generously supported by 4Culture/King County Lodging Tax, the French American Cultural Society (FACS), the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, the Consulate General of Switzerland in San Francisco, and swissnex san francisco.