Luftschutzraum (FFM)

The work Inflect by the artist Jacqueline Hen was created in close connection with her large-scale installation Light High, for which she won the Unna Light Art Prize in 2019. Both works explore themes of space, sound, the digital and the analog, as well as how humans perceive these structures and principles of order. Consciously with sensory stimuli and the impressions they evoke plays a central role in the artist’s work. 

Upon entering the air-raid shelter, two acoustic signals can be heard, accompanied by blue light. The two sound tracks consist of rising and falling tones, which create the illusion of an infinitely ascending or descending scale. This acoustic illusion, first described in 1964 by psychologist Roger N. Shepard, complements the installation, which, through optical illusion, creates the impression of an infinite light tunnel. This is achieved by two parallel ’spy mirrors‚ with a circle of light in the middle.

Especially in the participatory interaction of multiple viewers approaching the installation from both sides, another sensory impression arises, where the individuals‘ faces overlap – they seem to merge.

What self-image, what parts of the self and the other can be recognized here? The installation brings this experience to life.