Nick Dong: On Models of Contemplation
November 13, 2016- February 19, 2017
Nick Dong ‘s On Models of Contemplation includes three new dynamic sculptures that transform the Off Center Gallery into an immersive experience of light and music. Considering the Big Bang theory as a point of departure, Dong is inspired by the ethereal events that created the universe: from its beginning as a small, hot, dense point to the explosion and rapid expansion of space, and ultimately, the formation of matter into our current galaxies, 13.8 billion years later.
Exploring the concept of gravity, the absorption and reflection of light, and playing with perception and reality are themes in Dong’s sculptures from his Cosmic Dance series. For this body of work, he collaborates with composers to create original soundtracks for each object, and with the help of engineers, he incorporates levitation technology programming the sculptures to create a choreographed performance. Aside from the scientific themes, On Models of Contemplation references topics that relate to human relationships and spirituality. Both individually and collectively, these glowing sculptures encourage moments of respite and mediation.
Nick Dong is a conceptual metalsmith, mixed-media sculptor and socio-commodity engineer. Dong’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally at Mercury 20 Gallery, Oakland; San Francisco Museum of Craft + Design; Kunstbanken Museum, Norway; and MOCA Taipei, Taiwan, among others. In 2012, Nick Dong presented a site-specific installation at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. And last fall, Dong completed a large-scale installation for the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco