Es Devlin’s new media work Surfacing, commissioned by BMW, will debut at Art Basel 2024. The installation combines sustainable energy and movement with water, light, sound and dance. BMW, a partner of Art Basel for 20 years, is focusing this year on hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. The highlight of their initiative is a series of works by Devlin, including a compelling installation in Hall 1.1.
Devlin’s stand features four works: Surfacing (2024), Surfacing II (2024), Mask (2018) and Mask in Motion (2018). Surfacing is an illuminated cube of rain intersected by a line of light while Surfacing II features painted televisions with a dancing figure displacing pixels and pigment. Mask is a projection-mapped model city where hands and rivers merge, and Mask in Motion is a rotating, illuminated, translucent city that envelops the viewer in its kinetic shadow. These pieces reflect Devlin’s exploration of the interplay between humans and technology.
A central element is the integration of hydrogen technology into the BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicles. These vehicles, wrapped in Devlin’s collages, serve as mobile sound installations. Passengers can listen to Devlin’s conversations with BMW engineers about hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. The vehicles also function as a shuttle service, highlighting the practical application of hydrogen technology.
Devlin has worked closely with BMW engineers over the past year to understand hydrogen fuel cell technology. From their discussions, she created a soundscape that plays inside the hydrogen-powered vehicles. This collaboration highlights the relationship between art and technology and presents hydrogen as a viable energy source.
Read our interview with Es Devlin in the SS24 issue to find out more about her creative practice and work.
All photography courtesy of BMW
