Altered States

Altered States is an experiential installation involving both interior and exterior viewing conditions. These two physical spaces become metaphors for mental spaces. On the outer wall is a 30×30 inch print which is hung at a standard height and lit in a traditional sense. Black velvet curtains create a darkened inner space, and within this room is a 10×10 foot print of the same imagery stretched and hanging from the ceiling. Inside is a contraption creating colorful lighting effects, along with a mat for one single viewer to lay on and gaze upwards. On this mat is a pair of headphones playing a droning audio track. The binaural beat audio used is scientifically proven to alter the listener’s brainwave activity. The installation is not only referencing an altered state, but actually has the ability to create one.