To care about existence is to care about water. Water matters because it is a life matter. As a form of life, water gives life and is in constant change. As life itself, it can never be completely comprehended. The exhibition HYDRO LOGICAL brings us an opportunity to reflect on the complexities of our relationship with water. The work artfully stages three possible ways of connecting with water: as equals (as a melody), from a distance (as harmony) and as masters and owners of nature (as conductors). Addressing the global climate crisis, it offers a journey to think about our relationship with water and how we choose to understand it. An invitation to question our relationship with the planet.

The German artist duo Hauptmeier|Recker presents a site-specific installation in the form of a choreography, an immersive experience of sound, light and shadow generated by water. This work results from their artists’ residency at Ses12naus, where, driven by the water issues on Ibiza, they explored the feedback mechanisms between the sea and freshwater reservoirs, sound mapping diverse aquatic ecosystems as well as researching modern and historical water infrastructure on the island. Hauptmeier|Recker are experts in transforming extremely complex topics into tangible and meaningful installations. Influenced by the philosopher Timothy Morton and his concept of “hyperobjects”, they make use of their refined expertise to explore the island’s water problematic, as they have previously done with other large-scale challenges.

The duo transforms the gallery into a circular water system controlled by a specially designed system. The experience unfolds across three spaces. A main room where the audience can playfully merge with a melody of elements generated by water. Here, a central sculpture reveals the intricacy of water systems while its transparency allows tracing ever-changing water through its complex systems. All elements – sound, water and light – are interconnected, influencing and manipulating each other. The public can grasp and sense the water experience but never completely understand it. In a second room, the audience can listen privately to a recording of original water sounds from around Ibiza. Here, water is objectified as a vinyl record. The third space, the outside, reveals the exhibition’s prodigious conductor: a computer-controlled water irrigation system orchestrates the choreography.

HYDRO LOGICAL is an invitation to explore our relationship with water. The exhibition highlights the concealed complexities of water while challenging us to embrace water as a form of life. It is now up to us how we decide to relate to water. And for that matter, to life.

Text by: Jose Alarcón (@jfa_tmbp)

Dates: June 22nd to September 12th.

Times: Tuesday to Friday. 8pm - 11pm. | Guided tours: 9pm.

Address: La Carpintería. Rio Arno 58 (Can Bufí)

Supported by: