Mount Tremper, N.Y. will host a unique artistic event as the Catskills Visitor Center presents the interactive outdoor sculpture project, “Chimera Obscura,” from October 10 to 12, 2023. Created by artist Courtney Dudley, this immersive installation invites visitors to explore themes of time, nature, and perception through a captivating participatory experience.
Inspired by the natural optical phenomenon known as the camera obscura, this artwork is designed in the shape of a small house. According to a news release from the Catskills Visitor Center, the sculpture features four large silk panels, which have been dyed using native solidago harvested directly from the site. This technique results in a “soft, bright and dreamlike exterior” that enhances the outdoor setting.
Once inside the installation, visitors will encounter complete darkness, with a single pinhole of light illuminating the space. This pinhole projects an inverted image of the outside world in real time, allowing the scene to transform as weather conditions change. Such an interactive element not only engages participants but also connects them with the surrounding environment in a novel way.
In addition to the immersive experience, the project will feature sun-activated cyanotype prints that document the installation’s ephemeral nature. These prints, along with other documentation and ephemera, will be showcased in a final indoor iteration of the project, providing a tangible record of the art’s temporary life.
The exhibit will be accessible during daylight hours from October 10 to 12, contingent on weather conditions. An opening reception is scheduled for October 11 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., offering attendees a chance to meet the artist and engage with the artwork in a communal setting.
The Catskills Visitor Center is located at 5096 State Route 28, making it a convenient destination for both locals and tourists eager to experience this innovative art installation. As the weekend approaches, art enthusiasts are encouraged to seize the opportunity to engage with Courtney Dudley’s thought-provoking work and immerse themselves in an experience that challenges conventional perceptions of art and nature.
