Rediscover the timeless allure of analogue film at this ArtScience Museum exhibition

Mothlight (1963) by Stan Brakhage_image courtesy of the Estate of Stan Brakhage and Fred Camper (www.fredcamper.com) — “Mothlight” (1963) by Stan Brakhage. Image courtesy of the Estate of Stan Brakhage and Fred Camper (www.fredcamper.com)

Once upon a time, not too long ago, analogue film ruled the big screens, until it was rendered obsolete by digital media.

While technology powers ahead to reshape the future of visual media, ArtScience Museum invites visitors to rediscover the tactile beauty of moving images and explore the transformative potential of everyday materials and unconventional techniques in filmmaking.

Opening on Nov 16, Altered States: Experiments in Moving Image will showcase experimental analogue film, alongside immersive, large-scale installations.The month-long exhibition features a select group of local and international artists and filmmakers who push the boundaries of moving image by employing everyday materials, cameraless techniques, chemical and ecological processes in their experimental filmmaking practice.

Dance of a Humble Atheist (2019) by Toh Hun Ping_image courtesy of artist — “Dance of a Humble Atheist” (2019) by Toh Hun Ping. Image courtesy of artist

The exhibition has two sections. It begins with a short overview of historical examples of material experiments in analogue film, including the groundbreaking work of legendary filmmakers like Stan Brakhage, Len Lye and other prominent artists. There are rarely seen footage and close-ups of scanned analogue film strips that set the stage for the more immersive visual experiences in the next part of the exhibition.

Key works are four striking film presentations by international and local artists who have left a mark in the industry. Liquid Solid (2015) by the Dutch artist duo Nicky Assmann and Joris Strijbos showcases the mesmerising process of freezing soap in the sub-Arctic. Fallen Candles – Triplet (2015) by Japanese artist Youki Hirakawa offers a minimalist exploration of the passage of time through three candles, laid on their sides, burning at an accelerated pace.

Fallen Candles (2015) by Youki Hirakawa_image courtesy of artist — “Fallen Candles” (2015) by Youki Hirakawa. Image courtesy of artist

Revenants: Optographic Animation (2023) by UK artist Sapphire Goss offers surreal landscapes that emerge from the imperfections of the medium. Dance of a Humble Atheist (2019) by one of Singapore’s most innovative filmmakers,Toh Hun Ping, is an experimental film crafted using stop-motion animation techniques. After meticulously sculpting 600 ceramic reliefs, which were then scanned and animated frame-by- frame, Toh presents a three-chapter film that explores themes of death, the afterlife and the natural world through the interplay of light and shadow.

Altered States: Experiments in Moving Image exhibition will run from Nov 16 to Dec 15, 2024 at ArtScience Museum.