LIGHT ATTRACTION

An audio-­light performance and installation using high powered lights to shape the interior of an imposing, translucent, rectangular prism. A choreography of masses of light is controlled in real­ time in order to develop a fictional and dramatic narrative. Light Attraction refers to the phenomenon of nocturnal insects’ attraction to light: this instinctive and impulsive attraction is often fatal. This aspect of the work reenacts a biological phenomenon which remains unexplained by science.

The piece is a metaphor for the impulsive and obsessive behaviours found in human beings. In the same way certain insects are attracted to light – driven by their instincts – human beings behave in an instinctive and impulsive way, with little idea of the reasons that motivate them. Chantre’s work tells a story with light, creating different sensory scenarios in which the physicality of the public is the director. The work relies on a language of light which borrows its cinematographic grammar from Science Fiction films and relies on the past collective visual memories of the public, such as a sunrise or a foggy swamp, to translate. The light box spreads out, seeks and watches its observers. It rests before it takes over, blinds, attacks and fascinates the viewer.

Presentation:
– Lumifest, installation insitu, Longueil (CA), 2018
– Filux Festival, installation, Merida (MX), 2018
– Mois Multi, performance, Québec (CA), 2012

Logo-mois-multi


Filux Mérida, Mérida (MX), 2018. Photo: Gabriel Berber

Mois Multi, performance, Québec (CA), 2012. Photo: Isabel Rancier

Filux Mérida, Mérida (MX), 2018. Photo: Gabriel Berber

Filux Mérida, Mérida (MX), 2018. Photo: Lorena Montiel

Filux Mérida, Mérida (MX), 2018. Photo: Gabriel Berber

Filux Mérida, Mérida (MX), 2018. Photo: Gabriel Berber

Created in 2011-2012

Techinque: Transparent plastic canvas sheets, 10 steel pipes, 4 moving lights, 2 stroboscopic lamps, 2 haze machines, 4 speakers, 2 subwoofers, computer, MIDI controller, music software, multimedia software and audio effect unit.

Dimensions: 366 x 610 x 366 cm

Press and documentation :
– Article, Filux, Light Attraction, Médida (MX), 2018
– Mention, Focus Mérida, Light Attraction, Mérida (MX), 2018
Article, Voir Québec, Julie Gagné, Light attraction, Quebec (CA), 2013
Mention, Quoi faire à Québec, Light Attraction (Web), 2013
Audio interview, CKRL, La croche oreille, Quebec (CA), 2013
Mention, Le Devoir, Jerôme Delgado, Light Attraction, Montreal (CA), 2012
Mention, Sonsdofuturo, Chris Quites, Light Attraction (Web), 2012
Mention, Voir.ca, Julie Gagné, Light Attraction (Web), 2012
Audio interview, Radio-Canada, C’est bien meilleur
le matin, Marie-Ève Dumulong, Toronto (CA), 2012
Video interview, Mois Multi, Québec (CA), 2012

Credits:
Music, light, programming and design: Manuel Chantre / Production management: Mateo Thébaudeau – Productions Recto­Verso / Programming collaborator: Thomas Ouellet Frédéricks / Acknowledgement :Gaëtan Gosselin, Viviane Paradis, Mateo Thébaudeau, Émile Morain, l’équipe du Mois Multi, Jasmine Pisapia du Festival du Nouveau Cinéma, Danny Perreault, Jérôme Arseneault, Francis Pineau.

A Mois Multi and Recto­Verso production.

Logo-mois-multi