Momentum (2011)

Xandra Van der Eijk / Momentum

Momentum is a silent symphony, a dance between artist and installation, with the liquid (like time itself) flowing at its own pace.

Xandra Van Der Eijk

Momentum shows the process of decay and the human incapability to overcome it. It is a spacious, analog installation with a 4 to 6 -day cycle, guided by a very slow, continuous performance of assisting the installation in order for it to work, resulting in strong graphic, 4m long prints.

Because of certain ingredients in the mixture, the pigment can spread, but not mix. It has to push the other pigments away, as it is forced to drip for two hours in the center of one spot. Therefore the colors have to fight for their place, causing it to change continuously. Doing so, the material finds its boundaries – and starts to ‘break’. Although the detailing can get immensely intense the most interesting part of the installation is seen when the glass pipes are being put in the next spot.

By leaving one spot to rest, it starts to react on time. As time passes, the water decays and the pigment-mixture reacts to it. Also because the next spot is now dripping, and therefor also fighting for space on the surface, it influences the previously dripped spots dramatically.

After seven spots, the tub is full and needs to be emptied to be able to proceed. This is done by putting a 4m long heavy cotton paper on top of the surface, allowing the pigments to sink in to it. After a few minutes, the paper is pulled of and put to dry, like a snap shot photograph, a memory of what once was. The glass pipes are cleaned and refilled, and the whole process starts over again.

After seven full tubs and seven four meter prints, the water has fully decayed and will no longer allow the pigment-mixture to spread on the surface and the performance/installation has ended. All times and changes are being noted through out the entire 4 days and all full four-day sessions are being numbered, as well as the prints. What remains is a printed timeline showing the decay of a chemical process; in one print, but also gradually deteriorating over all seven.

Xandra Van der Eijk / Momentum

Bio

Xandra van der Eijk (MMus, Netherlands, 1985) graduated from the Interfaculty ArtScience at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, after graduating from Graphic Design (BA) at the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague. Van der Eijk investigates natural processes and elements, where the concept of time is a recurring theme. Through many experiments and thorough theoretical research these processes develop in spatial works with a strong visual component. She documents and describes, but never fails to allow space for poetry.

Van der Eijk received the Paul Schuitema-prize in 2008 and was nominated for both STRP Talent Pit Award and the BLOOOM Award by Warsteiner in 2011. She was selected for many exhibitions, lectures and articles. Earlier work was featured in the Hong Kong Business of Design- week and covered by several magazines. Momentum, her debut, was amongst others featured in V2_ Test Lab Graduation Edition 2011 and in the Marrakech Biennial exhibition ‘On geometry and speculation’.

http://xandravandereijk.com/2011-momentum-ma-final-exam