David Michalek — Figure Studies — Le Laboratoire — Exhibition — Slash Paris

Past: November 16, 2012 → January 6, 2013

At the conclusion of its 15th experiment, Le Laboratoire presents Figure Studies by American artist David Michalek. The work applies the technology of high-speed HD video toward capturing scenes and subject matter reminiscent of the famous Eadweard Muybridge and Etienne-Jules Marey photo-studies of human movement.

David Michalek filmed men and women at (3000 frames per second, so that products an exceptional slow-motion.

The human subjects are specialized bodies shaped by athletics, dancing, and physical labor, as well as non-specialized bodies. Within each group, there is a broad range of ages and body-types as well as ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Each subject is seen executing a particular movement sequence or concept that was arrived at through both artistic as well as scientific considerations — the latter in conjunction with Harvard Biologist, Dr. Dan Lieberman. He helped to define a variety of biomechanical categories.

Figure Studies is displayed on large projecting screens. The visitor discovers the captivating force of gestures decomposed by slow motion, which places them somewhere between phantasmagoria and scientific analysis, inviting the gaze to settle in a space where time is suspended.