Inclined to Recline, 2017
Dichromate gelatin embedded in glass, 20.5’’ x 24.5’’
One of the four unique holograms in the series Kinetic Figures
Kinetic Figures are the continued explorations involving kinetics (movements) of the human figure. The work combines holographic images to create artworks that enhance the perception of the figure in motion. The holograms pay tribute to the tradition of some of the first visual, both scientific/artistic, studies of humans in motion conducted by Etienne-Jules Marey and others throughout the late 1800s. Marey considered that the artist ‘while taking Nature as a model, makes an independent choice’ of the attitude of the body in motion. Kinetic Figures invites the viewer/participant to explore varied images that are distinctive to each individual by the choice of their movements during the act of experiencing the artworks. The contact with the work can be somewhat unparalleled for each viewer since they experience intertwined, overlapping and mingled figures in space/time.
Technically the holograms are best described as triple slit rainbow holograms that allow for a mixed secondary order of colors that includes more ‘pastel like hues’. The brain fuses the views from both eyes into a coherent image of blended colors. Together they contribute to an experience that is unique.
With the artwork, there is a continued reference to the key model of renowned physicist David Bohm and his concept holomovement. It brings together the principle of undivided wholeness or what he referred to as the universal flux and includes the idea that everything is becoming or in a course of action. His view was that wholeness is not a constant oneness but a vibrant wholeness in motion, in which everything moves together in an interconnected process of becoming.
Master holograms originally produced at the studio of the artist with Dr. John Webster from 1985 to 1989. These were then combined into the hologram prints and embedded in glass at the Light Foundry, USA in 2016 with C Alex Clark and August Muth
Fred Unterseher, Inclined to Recline
Pioneer of holographic art Fred Unterseher expertly engages viewers with his passion for visual perception, light, kinetics, consciousness and community. Unterseher graduated with honors from San Francisco Art Institute. While in San Francisco he participated in collective artist projects including ANT FARM and the formation of Project Artaud. Unterseher was a pioneering member of the San Francisco School of Holography with Lloyd Cross and Gerry Pethick. Later they formed the Multiplex Company that produced stereographic holograms, including artworks for Salvador Dali. Unterseher has exhibited extensively in galleries, museums and educational institutions in Europe, Asia and throughout North and South America.