AQUAPELAGOS

Curated by Keroxen and Discrepant

The Aquapelagos

The Aquapelago is a visionary concept that merges the elements of water, islands and its surroundings creating a unique setting where creativity flourishes and human connection with nature deepens. Through the integration of live performances, visual art, and interactive exhibits, our project seeks to transport audiences into a realm where the boundaries between reality and imagination dissolve, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience it.

Aquapelago, as coined by Philip Hayward, refers to an »assemblage of marine and terrestrial elements in which the aquatic spaces are key to community livelihoods and to communities’ senses of identity and belonging.»

A broad theme applied to island living communities and its omnipresent majestic surrounding: the ocean. Island communities engage with their aquapelagic environment in a variety of ways, be it folkloric traditions and other folk-/media-lore contexts that can be understood to reflect upon and transcend “perceptions of the limits of human presence in and experience of aquatic spaces.”

Born first as a series of Keroxen residences back in 2021 and 2022, the Aquapelago concept developed into a series of albums featuring artists from all corners of the globe such as Sun Araw, Lagoss, Pak Yan Lau, Banha da Cobra, Mike Cooper, Spencer Clark, Pierre Bastien, Vica Pacheco and more. Each artists made the concept its own as a starting point to develop their personal interpretation of an aquapelagic world. The results were released on a series of records (see Keroxen records) but are also to be applied to a series of live multidisciplinary events.

Aquapelago: Live Show(s)

One of the highlights of the Aquapelago project is the lineup of live shows featuring artists such as Sun Araw, Lagoss, Pak Yan Lau, Mike Cooper & Pierre Bastien where each offers their mesmerising otherworldly atmosphere weaving sonic landscapes that reflect the interplay of land and sea. These performances aim to transport attendees into a state of wonder and awe, forging a deep connection with the Aquapelago’s creative spirit.

Exhibition/installation

The Aquapelago concept offers a unique canvas for artists and curators to present their work under various environments. Visitors embark on a journey, wandering through a series of interconnected islands that house distinct art installations. These islands represent different artistic themes, each with its own atmosphere and visual narrative. The exhibition may encompass a variety of art forms, from paintings and visual collages to immersive multimedia installations. As visitors traverse the Aquapelago exhibition, they encounter artworks that reflect the beauty, mystery, and power of water and islands, inviting contemplation and dialogue.

Hybrid presentation: The Aquapelago Imaginary

A live show presented in the exhibition space set up for that purpose. The audience can freely circulate in a bespoke environment designed to heighten the aquapelagic experience

Imagine stepping into a live show where the stage becomes a shimmering underwater world, surrounded by vibrant corals and exotic sea life. As the audience, you are transported into an otherworldly realm, where soundscapes mimic the gentle ebb and flow of ocean currents. Through a combination of interactive projections, and innovative set designs, the Aquapelago Imaginary breathes life into performances, creating a multi sensory experience.

Each artwork tells a unique story, interweaving themes of nature, mythology, and the mysteries of the deep sea. The Aquapelago Imaginary blurs the line between observer and participant, as visitors engage with interactive exhibits that respond to their presence, triggering waves of light and sound that ripple through the gallery space.

Environmental Consciousness

This innovative concept also embraces sustainability and environmental consciousness. By highlighting the beauty and fragility of the ocean, the Aquapelago Imaginary encourages visitors to reflect upon their connection to the natural world and the importance of preserving it for future generations. Through thought-provoking installations and educational initiatives, it sparks conversations about ecological awareness and the urgent need for sustainable practices in the arts and beyond.

It challenges conventional notions of creativity and transports us into a realm where imagination and reality blend seamlessly. With its immersive experiences in live shows and exhibitions, this concept offers a unique way to engage with art, provoking emotions, stimulating the senses, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the world around us.

LISTEN to Aquapelagos Vol.1: The Atlantic. Lagoss and Banha Da Cobra