Knut Åsdam

Psychasthenia 5, 1998 Shown at Pakkhus, Momentum Nordic Biennial 1998

Architectural installation, 17.5m x 12m x 3.2m (h). Wood, paint, carpet, vinyl covered cushions, 2 video monitors, video projector, DVD player, between 6 - 12 videos, dark glass partitions, drinks machine. 


View looking into entrance/exit corridor


View from video booth area

"The Pakkhus cinema that houses video installations and video screenings is a perceptual machine. Designed by Knut Åsdam, it is a trippy locus for brainy escapism, replete with a coke machine."
 The installation comprised 12 videos in a mix of sci-fi and sex club architecture. The entrance/exit of the structure was a dimly lit 17m (55ft) long octagonal corridor -the length creates the space as socially ambiguous - underlining the fantasy and desire inscribed in this minimalist architecture.
At the end of the corridor one enters an obscurely lit in-between space; where there is the option to explore an area with several small rooms interconnected by dark windows. Two of these have a video-monitor each running two video programs. The room in-between functions as a withdrawal space: a chance to watch other people watching videos, other people— or yourself. Finally, there is the main screening area: a 10ft back-projection and four large, deep seated seating arrangements in black vinyl.


View from one booth into antother -through dark glass panels. Man watching video is in other space.

 


View showing entrance to two adjoining booths


Looking out towards exit through entrance/exit corridor.

 


Diagram of installation

 

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