NVM (never-mind), Immersive Art Exhibition

Description

About The Exhibition

NVM (never-mind) embarks on a journey into the uncharted realms of the human psyche. The phrase “Never Mind” denotes the “forget it” attitude which tends to be perpetuated when forced to address common mental health problems. The acronym “NVM” brings attention to modern-aged tech culture and the heavy reliance of abbreviations, creating a new culture of limited attention spans and unresponsive communication which impairs the mind’s ability to process thoughts and emotions.

Macro Waves reimagines the subconscious mind by utilizing installation and performance art as a platform to confront external and internal forces that affects mental health. Drawing inspiration from the philosophy of yin and yang, the three installations form a dichotomous representation of the chemicals cortisol (black space) and serotonin (white space), while highlighting the connections and balance established through the central neural network. Influenced by Japanese bondage and internet culture, the cortisol installation alludes to symbols of masochism and sadism, dissecting the escapist mentality associated with traumatic experiences. Comparatively, the serotonin installation triggers the opposing emotions associated with safety, comfort and bliss, while inducing complacent behaviors and attitudes.

Emphasizing the fundamental presence of two varying chemicals, the exhibition strives to activate a psycho-emotional healing state in all individuals, bringing forth self awareness, self control and balance in our mental health. NVM exposes the normalized, addictive and self-sought practices of self-deprecation, commonly ingrained into the unconscious identity of everyday people.

Exhibition Programs & Events Listings

Opening Reception – Thursday, Oct 12, 2017 (6 – 9pm)

DJ Sets: Das Boots and Joog Mac,

Live Sound and Dance Performance: Joshua Icban & special guest performer

Pop Up Kitchen: Milktooth

Crystal Therapy & Sound Healing Workshop – Thursday, Oct 26, 2017 (6 – 8:30pm)

Artist and Herbalist/Healing Practitioner : Angela Angel

Sound Healing Facilitator: Jeffrey Yip

Closing Reception – Friday, Nov 3, 2017 (6–9pm)

Panel Discussion: Exploring the state of mental health in the technological age of the 21st Century with featured panelist: Ravi Chandra (Psychiatrist/ Author), Jul Custodio (Mental Health Therapist SFSU Wellness Centers) and Sheila Rivera(Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Filipino Mental Health Initiative – SF)

Mediation Session: SAMi SEE

About Macro Waves

Macro Waves ​is an interdisciplinary collective of artists based out of Oakland, CA. Macro Waves creates immersive installation and performance based experiences in alternative environments across the Bay Area. Macro Waves believe in the experience itself as the art form rather than simply, the sum of it’s parts. By transforming spaces and places, Macro Waves manipulate the audience’s experience, shifting perceptions and redefining identities as people living in a creative world. Through its eclectic range of talents within the collective and beyond the Bay Area, Macro Waves builds community and creating alternatives experiences which helps facilitate other creatives through their work and processes.

Established in 2015, Macro Waves has curated and produced projects at the Luggage Store Gallery – Tenderloin National Forest, The Midway Gallery, Layer’s Studio Gallery, Oakland Music Festival, Codame Art & Technology Festival, Berkeley Art & Music Fair and Night Light Festival. Macro Waves’ most recent project, Cortextual Voyager 3000, was presented SOMArts Cultural Center’s Night Light Festival 2017, which was featured in an article written by KQED.