Gallery UNO Projektraum Berlin, Germany

Work by American artist Nikkole Huss is exhibited alongside art created by Katarzyna Bak, Prisca Baccaille, Elvira Martos, Paola Romoli Venturi, and Anna Wenning. Curated by Barbara Goebels-Cattaneo.

The 48 Stunden Neukölln 2023 Festival theme: Play(ground) is a multifaceted, complex intersection.  Play is often associated with enjoyment, recreation, self-discovery and strategy yet also, has the ability to confront challenges in ongoing times of crisis.  

Huss' interactive installation, VIRAL DANCE invites viewers into a setting reminiscent of school dances, roller rinks, nightclubs, karaoke bars and concert venues. Disco balls, suspended from the ceiling, spin in circles and cast reflections of lights and shadows. The lure of light is associated with childhood shadow puppets and games with flashlights.  Dancing, coupled with the playful movement of light, is celebratory and an open invitation to interact with others. Upon further inspection, mirror tiles on the spheres are pierced and deconstructed to portray coronaviruses.  The spread of light on surroundings ties to the transmission of viruses and the delicate "dance" of being social and safe.

As a viewer moving through the space, try dodging the reflections of light and create your own unique "viral dance" worthy of TikTok. The questions of where to go and where to stand are fluid and reflective of real life in a playtime medium. The continuous push and pull of being playful, having fun but calculating risks, is a nod to the epidemics of the past and the current health crisis.