We came, we collided, we dispersed.
2 December - 4 December 2022.
It was such an extraordinary and special opportunity to transform a former courtroom into an immersive audiovisual art installation and sacred space for the Collisions Exhibition.
"Collisions" presented works from an extraordinary group of ASC artists working in a diverse range of themes and mediums. Hosted in the setting of a former Lambeth County Court — a stunning art deco building built in 1928. The two former courtrooms presented unique opportunities for artists to create immersive environments.
I was drawn to the bright and clean first-floor courtroom. Its high ceilings, arched windows, and lines of pews were immediately reminiscent of a church. Indeed the legal system was born out of organised religion and many of the architectural attributes of a courtroom mirror that of a church. Churches and courtrooms share some similarities in their design and architecture because both are intended to convey social hierarchies, a sense of authority, solemnity, and reverence. Additionally, both institutions serve as gathering places for large groups of people to come together for a common purpose.
ASCENSION NOW...ARE YOU READY?
I developed a site-specific installation for the first-floor courtroom drawing influences from Western and Ethe astern religious practices, philosophies and symbolism. The installation transformed the courtroom into a sacred space, exploring spiritual transcendence through sculpture, projection, light, sound and assemblage.
It was a genuinely melancholy moment taking it down. I wanted the magic to go on forever! Hoping to bring it to another unique venue sometime soon. 💕
Read more about the influences behind the work below.
Danielle Jacques | Ascension now…are you ready? | 2022 | Multimedia audiovisual installation
Sacred geometry
The focal point of the installation is a stellated dodecahedron sculpture suspended and gently spinning over the judge's bench. The stellated dodecahedron is a geometric shape that has been associated with spiritual and metaphysical meanings by various cultures and belief systems throughout history.
In sacred geometry, the stellated dodecahedron is believed to be a symbol of the universe's interconnectedness and harmony. It is seen as a representation of the etheric body or the subtle energy field that surrounds and permeates all living beings. It is said to promote balance, harmony, and spiritual growth.
God used [the dodecahedron] for arranging the constellations on the whole heaven” - Plato, Timaeus 55
In some spiritual traditions, the stellated dodecahedron is associated with the element of ether, the fifth element (in addition to earth, water, air, and fire). It is believed to be a conduit for higher-dimensional energy and to facilitate communication with the spiritual realm.
The stellated dodecahedron is considered a powerful symbol of unity, harmony, and balance in many spiritual traditions and is used in various spiritual practices and rituals to help individuals connect with their inner selves and the divine. Situated above the judge's bench, the most important position in the courtroom it becomes an idol and an object of contemplation and reverence.
Metatron's cube
Metatron's Cube is a sacred geometrical symbol said to contain the patterns of creation within it. It is named after the archangel Metatron, who is said to have created the cube as a representation of the universe and its multidimensional nature. The cube has been found in various ancient cultures and is still used today as a means of connecting with the divine and accessing higher consciousness.
In various spiritual and esoteric traditions, Metatron's Cube is believed to hold powerful energetic and symbolic properties. Some people use it as a tool for meditation and manifestation, while others believe that it can be used for healing and protection.
From Metatron's cube, one can derive the platonic solids. Platonic solids are a set of five regular polyhedrons - three-dimensional shapes with flat faces and specific properties. In ancient Greek philosophy, these Platonic solids were associated with the five elements - earth, air, fire, water, and aether - which were believed to make up everything in the physical world.
According to this theory, the tetrahedron represented fire, the cube represented earth, the octahedron represented air, the dodecahedron represented aether, and the icosahedron represented water. Whilst this theory is not accepted in modern science, as it is not based on empirical evidence or scientific observations the platonic solids do indeed make up everything in the physical world. The nuclei of atoms are organised as nested platonic solids.
For Collisions, I created a Metatron's cube digital print series, each print shows how one of the platonic solids can be derived from Metratron's cube. Each image was digitally constructed in multiple layers using line vectors, video frames, and clipping masks. The video frames were sourced from the same footage which was projected onto the stellated dodecahedron to create a harmony of tone and colour. Each print was illuminated using LED candles made from Japanese calligraphy paper.
Danielle Jacques | Metratron's cube | 2022 | Digital print series
Om so hum
"Om so hum" is a Sanskrit mantra often used in meditation and yoga practices. The mantra consists of two simple sounds, "Om" and "so hum," which are repeated.
The meaning of the mantra is deeply spiritual and can be interpreted in a few different ways. One common interpretation is that "Om" represents the divine consciousness or universal energy that permeates all things, while "so hum" means "I am that" or "I am that which I seek." In this sense, the mantra can be seen as a reminder that we are all connected to the same divine energy, and that by tapping into that energy, we can find inner peace and fulfilment.
"Om so hum" is a powerful mantra that can help us connect with our spiritual selves, find inner peace, and cultivate a deeper sense of awareness and presence in our daily lives. "Hum" is also the mantra for the Hindu god Ishana, who represents ether and wears a crescent crown on his head.
For Ascension Now...are you ready? I provided vocalist Sasha Jacques with an audio score developed in collaboration with producer Simpl_Machine. Sasha was invited to draw on her choral experience and improvise with "om so hum" for the 17-minute duration of the track.
During the exhibition Sasha delivered an improvised performance of Om So Hum, This performance had me overflowing with emotion in a matter of minutes- truly transcendental.
Focusing on the phrase [Om so hum] and its meaning allowed me to connect deeply and realise the power and strength we all possess. A feeling of coming home nearly brought me to tears at one moment (stopped only by the fact I was recording!) - Sasha Jacques