Light years. Eugènia Balcells - Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y

Light years. Eugènia Balcells
LIGHT YEARS is the latest project exhibition of Eugènia Balcells. It is a journey into the memory
of the universe. A memory that begins in the stars and is gathered inside the elementals
particles that make up matter. It is a hymn to the complexity of the light that creates light in its
path.
LIGHT YEARS roots in the fascination with the most recent scientific theories combined with the
aesthetic experience aroused by observing, from earth possition, the light cycle in its permanent
succession of days and nights. Eugènia Balcells creates her own images and displays them
without letting them fade or stop. Hence, the universe borns and reborns over and over again,
confering and resembling the emotions and astonishment that the first philophers, astronomers
and poets may simultaneously had.
Eugènia Balcells is a pioneer in Spain within experimental film making and audiovisual art
during the 1970's. The concept of light has always been her main focus of attention in her
artworks. Her last exhibition project FREQUENCES, displayed for the first time during the 2009
fall in Barcelona, worthed the National Visual Arts Award by the Generalitat de Catalunya, not
long after being awarded the 2009 Merit Medall of Fine Arts, in Gold medal category, by His
Majesty the King of Spain.
Light years. Eugènia Balcells
She is a pioneer in Spain within experimental film making and audiovisual art. Her artistic
activity started in the mid-seventies after graduating in Technical Architecture in 1967 from the
University of Barcelona, and postgraduating in MA in Art in 1971 from Iowa University. In 1968
she moves from her hometown Barcelona and settles in New York. Since 1988, she has been
combining both residences.
In her workshops she deals human perception focusing on coexistence harmony between
spiritual and material. Her installations are based in an accurate geometry composition and
reveals her dinamical and complex regard of reality.
Some of her first and outstanding works are among others: the film Fuga (1979), the video
Indian Circle (1982) and the installation From the Center (1983). Books (Möebius Spaces,
Ophelia...), Scores: Flight, Xerox Music, etc. and works dealing with contemporary subjects, such
as: Portable Album, Brindis, On and on... Among others: In Transit (1993), In the heart of things
(1998), A space of ones (2000), and Roda do tempo (2001).
Her explorations and new understanding of the posibilities of the electronic image becomes a
recurrent aspect in her work: Color Fields (1984), TV Weave (1985), Trascending Limits (1996),
Frequencies (2009), Color Wheel (2009) and Universe (2012).
She has been awarded, among others: Grand Prix de la 1ère Manifestation Internationale de
Vídeo in Montbeliard (1982), Visual Studies Workshop Award in Rochester, New York (1983),
Visual Arts National Prize from the Generalitat de Catalunya (2009), and Merit Medall in Fine
Arts, in gold medal category, in recognition of her artistic career from the Ministery of Culture of
Spain (2009).
www.eugeniabalcells.com
http://araahoranow.blogspot.com.es/
Light years. Eugènia Balcells
LIGHT YEARS feautures two instalations, FREQUENCEIS and UNIVERSE, combined with the
mural TRIBUTE TO THE ELEMENTS and the projection GLIMSE OF THE UNVIERSE.
FREQUENCIES is an installation exploring the presence of light in the physicall matter inself.
Based on the fact that everything on existence comes from a particular composition of the
original elements of the Periodic Table, FREQUENCIES let us imagine how the trace of light
interlaces with the rest in a metaphorical creation, while identifying each element.
FREQUENCES. Eugènia Balcells, 2009
Audiovisual installation.
EDITION AND POSTPRODUCTION: Felipe Ruiz
RECORD AND SOUND EDITION: Amos Piñeros
HOMAGE TO THE ELEMENTS, is a version of the Periodic Table which includes the chemical
reference of the element and the trace of light identifing them as a fingerprint. This piece
accompanies FREQUENCIES, providing the singularity of each element so that we can discover
the interwoven between them in the installation, and let our imagination wander amid the
complexity of the movements that engender life.
HOMAGE TO THE ELEMENTS. Eugènia Balcells, 2010
Mural
PRODUCTION: Edicions de l'Eixample
UNIVERSE is the main installation of the exhibition, and becomes a result of extrem artistic
research work. Following the sun's course, from the sunrise to the moment the light plunges into
total darkness, the piece represents the idea of the universe as a detached body that could be
looked at from the outside. In order to make it work out, the artist seeks for an interaction use
between the latest technical resources with elements close to handcraft manufacture. This way,
both the depthness contained in the project and the inquisitiveness or interest of people in it,
could meet in dialogue.
UNIVERSE is the result of a filming work in the Astrophisic Observatory of Canarias and
displayed over a complex system of swivel screens, purposed for the reception of images from
two different films simultaneously projected. A background music companies the installation,
composed of frequencies emitted by celestial bodies -the sun, the mood, the planets, ...recorded and transcribed by NASA.
UNIVERSE. Eugènia Balcells, 2012.
Multimedia installation.
Images filmed in Roque de los Muchachos, in the canarian island La Palma, with the
collaboration of the Isaac Newton Telescope Group, Canarian Astrofisic Institut, and NASA.
The background music of the instalation composed of frequencies emitted by celestial bodies
was recorded and transcribed by NASA.
Filming and recording team: Elzine Aristide, Rodrigo Emanuel Soares, Clara Balcells.
Production: Claudia De Carlo.
Edition and Motion Graphics: Rodrigo Emanuel Soares.
Sound Edition: Angeo Vernuccio.
Swivel screen system production: Javier Higueras, Isabel Balcells, Ruth Ponce.
The documentary GLIMSE OF THE UNIVERSE is a film with the artist Eugènia Balcells in
conversation with the astronomer Marc Balcells, director of the Isaac Newton Telescopes Group
placed in the Roque de los Muchachos canarian observatory. They share a long-standing
complicity. As children they would scrutinise the skies together under the scientific guidence of
the adults in a large family of architects headed by an inventor grandfather. Those childhood
nights awoke in Eugènia Balcells a long life interest in light and the way it behaves.
In UNIVERSE, Eugènia Balcells treats light as the messenger of the best kept secret, our origin,
which may also be our destiny.
GLIMSE THE UNIVERSE – an spectrect is worth a
thounsand pictures. Eugènia Balcells. 2012.
Documentary Film.
Length: 17 minutes.
FILMING AND RECORDING PRODUCTION TEAM: Elzine
Aristide, Rodrigo Emanuel Soares, Clara Balcells.
PRODUCTION: Claudia De Carlo.
EDITION AND MOTION GRAPHICS: Rodrigo Emanuel
Soares.
SOUND EDITION: Angeo Vernuccio.
SWIVEL SCREEN SYSTEM PRODUCTION: Javier
Higueras, Isabel Balcells, Ruth Ponce
There is a DOCUMENTATION SPACE AND ACTIVITIES for those guides or teachers who visit and
lead their groups throught the exhibition.
The complexity of the project constitution has filtered smothly into the public, carried out
through a strong and pure expression, with multiple free interpretations approachs. YEARS
LIGHT becomes an unique aesthetic experience intended for general public, where a
documentation space has been set aside for academic groups attending the exbition, where a
wide range of researches can be developed.
Light years. Eugènia Balcells. Images
FREQUENCIES. Eugènia Balcells, 2009
HOMAGE TO THE ELEMENTS. Eugènia Balcells, 2010
HOMAGE TO THE ELEMENTS. Eugènia Balcells, 2010
UNIVERSE. Eugènia Balcells, 2012
UNIVERSE. Eugènia Balcells, 2012
GLIMSE THE UNIVERSE. Eugènia Balcells, 2012
GLIMSE THE UNIVERSE. Eugènia Balcells, 2012
Light years. Eugènia Balcells Catalogue
Edition
© SECRETARÍA GENERAL TÉCNICA
Subdirección General de Documentación y Publicaciones.
Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte
© of the Texts: their authors
© of the Images: Eugènia Balcells.
NIPO: 030-12-274-2
ISBN: 978-84-8181-522-1
Legal Deposit: M-26695-2012
Coordination
Eulàlia Bosch
Texts
Marc Balcells: Observing, Analysing, Inventing
John Berger: The Arching Mosaic
Eulàlia Bosch: Limming the Universe
Giuliana Bruno: On the Surface of Things
John Christie: Looking on Glass
Sunetra Gupta: Here too are Cementeries, Fame and Snow
Roald Hoffmann: A weed, a God
Marta Llorente: Enduring Traces in Inhabited Space
Simon Njami: The Impudence of Stars
Josep Perelló: Light Years or when the Distance is Only Time
Begoña Torres: Beyond the Promontory of Dreams
Traslations
Pilar Vázquez (English-Spanish)
Cath Forrest (Spanish-English)
Paul Hammond (French-English)
Judit Cusidó (French-Spanish)
Photography
Estudio Eugènia Balcells
Design and Layout
Salvador Saura - Ramon Torrente,
Edicions de l’Eixample, S.L.
Printing
Palermo S.L.
Light years. Eugènia Balcells More information
Light years. Eugènia Balcells
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Web AÑOS LUZ: www.universoeugeniabalcells.com
CONTACT DETAILS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PROMOCIÓN DEL ARTE
Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte
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CONDITIONS REPORT FOR TRAVELLING EXHIBITIONS
EXHIBITION TITLE
LIGHT YEARS. EUGÈNIA BALCELLS
EXHIBITION PRODUCTION
Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte. Secretaría de Estado de Cultura.
Dirección General de Bellas Artes y Bienes Culturales y de Archivos y Bibliotecas.
Subdirección General de Promoción de las Bellas Artes
TECHNICAL DATA OF THE EXHIBITION
INSTALLATION:
1)
Needs for the showroom space:

from 400 up to 650 m2. Minimum height required 4.30 m.

Closed spaces with low light exposure, and time-limitings light controls.
 Access between the different spaces.
2) Infrastructures
2.1- UNIVERSE:

Separate and close space -15x11m and a minimum height of 4,30 m-.

Minimum space: 12x10m. The projections require mirrors.

Ceiling and walls are covered with black fabric, or painted in black -serial NCS
S8505-R80B-.

Carpet fireproof, with doble-faced Scotch tape.

2 carpeted benches.

Safety signs.
 Referential LEDS displayed in each angle of the space.
2.2. HOMAGE TO THE ELEMENTS

Separate space. One of the linen-walls requires a minimum of 10m, 8,50m
height, 4,30m width.

Colour of the linen-wall: Titán 520 silver, while the rest stay NCS.

Colour of the ceiling: white S 1502-G.

Time-limiting light control. Filter: 202.
2.3
FREQUENCES:

Individual space with access to HOMAGE TO THE ELEMENTS. Minimum length
9x5m and 4,30 height.

Colour of the walls, floor and ceiling: Titan 520 silver.

Time-limiting light control. Filter: 202.
2.4
Documentary: GLIMSE THE UNIVERSE:

Separate room, with a resembling cinema atmosphere. Minimum 9x5m. Height
4.30 m.

Colour of the linen-walls and ceiling: black – serial: NCS S8505-R80B.

Time-limiting light control. Filter: 202

Hight quality soundproofing.

Seats available.
2.5
BIOGRAPHICAL and DIDACTIC space:

A space composed by two or three rooms communicated between them.
Minimum spaces of 9x5m. Height 4.30m.

Colour of the showroom: no changes from the original -If so: serial colour
number NCS S 1502-G-.

Regular lighting, filter: 202.

Chairs and tables available.
3) AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENTS AND DISPLAYING OF ARTWORKS.
3.1 UNIVERSE:
Audiovisual:

2 projectors, resolution FULL HD 1920X1080 with a hight contrast level
80.000: 1, brighting 1300 lumens Ansi, with support assembly to ceiling and
wall.

1 frame synchronization system for 2 signals in FULL HD with 2 stereo audio
signals independently synchronizated.

1 audio system composed by:
 1 12/15'' subwoofer
 4 satellite speakers, with 300 Wt. RMS.
 1 mixer, with 5 independent outlets, giving signal to the subwoofer from
the 4 channels.
 1 amplifier's system.
Instalation of the work:
 8 half transparent linen swivel screens, creating a 2.50 m diametre
connected each other by a shaft held from a motor installed in the
centre of the room -1 m height distance from the floor-.
 Motor 1,5 rpm.
 8 flexible bars
 8 semi transparent fabric cases.
 As part of the installation process, the fabrics must be ironed before
introducing them into the cases, and sew together the union axis
between the 8 screens.
Audiovisual installation:
 2 video are simultaneously projected onto the sphere. Both projectors
are installed in the longitudinal axis of the spaceroom, at the same
sphere axis level. Distance of lens 7 to 7,30 m.
 Each one of the four speakers is placed 2 m away from the main sphere
axis, in order to get the effect of the sound comming out from the sphere
towards the center of the showroom.
3.2. FREQUENCES:
Audiovisuals equipment:
-
1 projector DLP Mitsubishi WD-620U native resolution WXGA(1280x800),
lighting 4000 ANSI.
-
Contrast lumen: 2000:1. Zoom optic: standard, conexions: S RGB, 1x DVID, 1x HDMI, 2x RCA, LAN (RJ-45). Assembled to the wall or ceiling.
-
Loop software, audiovisual automatic switching system.
-
1 Home Cinema equipment: Dolby digital processor 5.1 5x100wt;
speakers: 5.1 minimum power 5x90 Wt. + Subwoofer; 5 basis
reinforcements; projector format 4:3.
3.3.
Documentary: GLIMSE THE UNIVERSE:
Audiovisual:
 1 projector DLP Mitsubishi WD-620U
(1280x800), lighting 4000 ANSI.
native
resolution
WXGA
 Contrast lumens: 2000:1, zoom optic: standard, conexions S RGB 1xDVID, 1x HDMI, 2x RCA, LAN (RJ-45). Basis reinforcement to wall and ceiling.
 Loop software, audiovisual automatic switching system.
 Powered speakers.
 Projector screen.
 Format 16/9
3.4 BIOGRAPHIC AND DIDACTIC space:
 2 screens 42'' installed towards the wall.

2 computers with updated programs and internet conexión.

4 earphones
Settled websites of the artist:

1 speech system constituted by: 1 projection equipment DLP 4000 lumens
Ansi, standard optic, native resolution XGA 1024x768. Reinforced basis to wall
and ceiling; 1 2x300 watt power RMS 4 Ohms; 1 previous mix for 6 inputs
Mic/line installation in rack 19'' and 12-48 volt phantom powering.

2 speakers 2 Full Range with an 8'' woofer and Twteer.

1 Handset wireless microphone with diversity receiver and body-pack emitter;
Sennheiser, AKG, Shure or similar brands.

Conexion between laptop and projector.

Formats: 4:3 or 16:9.
3.5 HOMAGE TO THE ELEMENTS

113 sheets Inversote Creator Mat, 240x340 mm and 330g, printout 4/0.

113 methacrylate of 2 mm.

Installation: each piece of paper is screwed up to each methacrylate against the
wall.
4) GRAPHIC EXHIBITION

Frontlit canvas printting 4/0: exterior signals, title of the exhibition, white vinyl
70x20 cm.
Available existing materials:
 Universe. Table; Frequences; Biography; Credits and Didactic; 430x75 cm
canvas installed inside the case with refined iron in its inside.
5)
SCHEDULES FOR INSTALLATION

5 working days intended for infraestructures and audiovisuals installation.
 Up to 4 days intended for audiovisual settings.
CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION
EXPENSES COVERED BY THE MINISTERIO DE EDUCACIÓN, CULTURA Y DEPORTE.



Production.
Coordination.
Insurance.
EXPENSES COVERED BY THE INSTITUTION HOLDING THE EXHIBITION:
Author of the works:

Travel, accommodation and daily allowance intended for the artist and curator
Eugènia Balcells, to the installation working period and to attend the official
opening of the exhibition.
Curatorial management:

Travel, accommodation and daily allowance intended for a small curatorial team, to
assist during installation. Consult us for details.
Installation and Copyrights:

Installation and lighting of the showrooms.

Graphic productions.

Surveillance and security officers service.

Copyrights.
CATALOGUE:
The catalogue was edited by the Secretaría General Técnica, Subdirección General de
Publicaciones, Información y Documentación del Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y
Deporte (Chief Administrative Office, Department for the Documentation and Publication of
the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport).
Contact Details:
Tomy Lorenzo
C/ Abdón Terradas, nº7
28015 Madrid
+34 91 543 93 66 Fax: +34 91 549 34 18
email address: tomy.lorenzo@mecd.es
Catalogue price: 14 eu (VAT included).
NOTE:
Once an exhibition application has been accepted, a subsequent collaboration Agreement
will be signed between the Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte and the institution
where the exhibition will be held.