A mesmerizing exhibit and spectacular light show for all ages

By Deven Meddaugh

On August 3rd, I spent the evening at a modern art museum in Berlin that features the permanent DARK MATTER exhibition plus SOMMERLIGHTS -  their current seasonal installment in the outdoor area featuring a 40-minute musical light show! 
           
Throughout my visit, I was introduced to a new world of light, sound, color and artistry. Although smaller than any museum I’ve been to previously, their permanent line-up of seven exhibitions will keep visitors engaged for hours. The multimedia pieces are displayed in pitch-black rooms to fully envelop guests in light movements and beautifully-composed musical melodies. 

After my visit, I would fully recommend this event to people of all ages and backgrounds, with caution to those who are prone to symptoms of epilepsy. These interactive light installations will leave attendees reflecting on the illusion between the digital world and reality, while this event is sure to stimulate all the senses.
 
About the Artist

This experiment of over 20 years of work comes from the innovative mind of Christopher Bauder, in collaboration with his design studio, WHITEvoid. Bauder works as both a light artist/designer and managing director of his studio, which he founded in 2004 with a degree from the University of Arts in Berlin. The WHITEvoid team specializes in spatial creations and areas such as architecture, scenography, mechanics, electronics and software. 

Bauder has left a large impact on the Berlin community through his pieces, even contributing to some major events like LICHTGRENZE in 2014 in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. In partnership with his brother Marc, the two installed almost 8,000 illuminated balloon steles stretching along the previous border of where the wall stood.
Living and working locally has made Bauder a community staple, and after opening his DARK MATTER exhibit in 2021, the museum has even included live events, expanding to seasonal open-air shows such as WINTERLIGHTS and SOMMERLIGHTS. Bauder has also received various awards for his work, including but not limited to the German Lighting Design Award and the Iconic Architecture Award.

DARK MATTER Exhibit

On location of a former factory site, the museum begins by checking in or buying a ticket from the front desk, where guests can peruse some company merchandise, should they wish to purchase. Beginning the journey of both darkness and light, visitors will then walk through seven ever-changing installations. Much like the artwork itself, DARK MATTER will always be in motion and it is possible to potentially see something new each time you go. During my visit, I saw only six, but there is a chance I could’ve missed one or it was closed for repairs. The names of each room are as follows: Liquid Sky, Inverse, Circular, Bonfire, Polygon Playground, Grid and Scale.
Each of the rooms brought a certain serene or intense vibe to viewers, as light, sound and movement encapsulate most of the body’s senses. Some rooms were darker than others, some were smaller spaces and some rooms were more packed with people - each environment creating different emotions and perspectives for experiencing the actual art. Most rooms had pillows, mats or benches along the sides to make guests more comfortable while viewing the installations. 

This was particularly true in Grid, which was the most spacious room, containing tons of visitors lying on the floor on cushioned mats looking up at the large light sculpture. From the angle of the floor, the lights appear to be floating above, including surround-sound electronic music. When I was there, the music contained a lot of material that made me feel like I was outside, sleeping under starry skies listening to bugs and birds chirp away, or bracing myself for an incoming thunderstorm. 

Some rooms were more interactive than others, giving diversity to the holistic experience. The Polygon Playground is the most relevant - providing entertainment not just for the viewer to walk along the seamless 3D structure, but also to watch others connect with the object and interpret it in their own way. Removing your shoes is the only barrier from walking along the piece yourself and attempting to navigate the computer-generated, 360-degree digital skin that projects over the top of the object, including sensors that react to each person’s movement. 
 
Experiencing these installations by myself made for a very peaceful visit in which I was able to truly watch, listen and reflect on each exhibit. However, I do think it would have been more fun had I brought someone else along with me. The artistry displayed at DARK MATTER is very creative in the way it gives freedom and permission to interpret different subjects and moods about the art from person-to-person, enabling a ‘you make it what it is’ mindset during each visit. 

Visitors also have the grace of time on their side, as each room plays new light and audiovisuals upon entry. There is never a need to rush through the rooms. Instead, a silent encouragement to sit and engage for however long you desire to fully mull over the message being portrayed. Thanks to Bauder’s genius and rhythmic technology, viewers are sure to enjoy their visit - alone or accompanied.

SOMMERLIGHTS

Thanks to DARK MATTER’s warm and collaborative staff, I had the pleasure and privilege of attending one of Bauder’s seasonal live shows called SOMMERLIGHTS, which will extend through September (2024). A stamp on my hand allowed me entry into a side section of the DARK MATTER location plot where I then got to enjoy about a 40-minute musical light show, which would continue to play on loop until the end of the night. Sitting or standing, with bar refreshments in hand or not, the spectacle begins. 
FLOW is the theme of this summer’s installation, which Bauder created with the help of Dutch composer Chris Kuijten, who has in-depth experience with a variety of classical instruments and has since found his groove by incorporating electronic equipment into his musical melodies. 

According to the website, FLOW is described as “the blissful feeling of being completely immersed and completely absorbed in a seemingly endless moment… the state of complete relaxation.” The light movement is created through over 30,000 individually controllable lights inside 1,000 larger light pieces. Light moves back and forth along the tracks almost as much as the hanging installation changes pattern and shape, at some moments often imitating that of waves in the ocean. Various colors light up the darkness of night until long after sunset and similar to the actual exhibit, visitors can stay for one run-through or as long as they like. 

Even for a seasonal show, Bauder continues to find new ways to capture audiences with no shortage of entertainment. SOMMERLIGHTS is sure to inspire, amaze and be enjoyed by all who see it.
 

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