Michiko Tsuda and ::vtol::

Dom Art Projects opens its new exhibition space and residency studios in Al Khayat Avenue with an inaugural exhibition that takes inspiration from the concept of time (and also plays on the meaning of ‘dom’ in Arabic: it can translate as ‘always). It features Japanese artist Michiko Tsuda and Russian artist ::vtol:: (Dmitry Morozov), both exhibiting in Dubai for the first time.

Tsuda is known for immersive installations exploring perception and space; occupying the main exhibition hall is an installation titled ‘You Would Come Back There to See Me Again the Following Day’ (above), a work which (in the words of the gallery) “explores our perception of time in relation to the evolution of new media, their potential, and the representation of the human being within them … It reflects the idea that our presence in time is multiplied, refracted, and never singular”.

Also showcased is ‘Takir’, a “science art object” by ::vtol::. He works with sound, robotics, and emergent systems; this piece references the drying up of the Aral Sea, looping endlessly, accompanied by documentation, research materials, and reflections on the geography of Central Asia. “The disappearance of the sea is both a story of the Earth’s fate and a reminder of the consequences of imperial ambition and human exploitation — as well as an invitation to reflect on time in a geological dimension.”

Visitors can also experience live performances, including sound artist Peter Aidu’s interpretation of Steve Reich’s masterpiece “Piano Phase.” In Reich’s composition, two identical musical patterns gradually shift out of sync, creating a hypnotic field of rhythm and resonance; Aiduperforms it simultaneously on two pianos, manually achieving the phasing effect through his own coordination.

Also taking place is Caryatid, a performance by Elena Kovylina that embodies the mythic female figure from classical architecture who bears the weight of the structure upon her shoulders. The artist physically supports a heavy wooden model of a traditional reed house, evoking the essential yet often invisible role of women as the foundation of home, society, and culture.

On the opening weekend there will be talks by the artists and a chance to see the studios, which will be home to artists-in-residence. The schedule:

28 November

3pm – 4.30pm Guided tours of the exhibitions
4.30 – 6pm Artist talk with Peter Aidu discussing how he reimagines music. Free, but preregister here

29 November

3pm – 4pm Artist talk with Dmitry Morozov aka ::VTOL:: on science and robotics in contemporary art. Moderated by Alisa Bagdonaite, Dom Art Projects Chief Curator. Free, but preregister here
4.30 – 6pm Artist talk with Michiko Tsuda, whose practice explores how visual media mediates our understanding of time and presence, will present her work and her career journey. Moderated by Alisa Bagdonaite, Dom Art Projects Chief Curator. Free, but preregister here