Dreamachine for Edinburgh Festival
This one's for our arts-loving customers heading to Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year. Based on Beat artist Brion Gysin's 1959 invention of a kinetic machine that naturally induces hallucinogenic effects in the viewer, 'Dreamachine' transforms the Art Deco former Ice Rink at Murrayfield in Edinburgh into a multi-sensory 360 degree spatial audio experience.
Gysin, friend and collaborator of writer William Burroughs, dreamed that his invention would one day rival television in terms of daily stimulation for the masses, but with the dream machine the participant becomes an active agent in the creation of his or her own images, not force-fed them. An emancipatory experience!
Viewed with eyes closed, the Dreamachine uses stroboscopic effects of light and colour that act upon the optic nerve, inducing incredible effects in the brain. Hypnagogic patterns and images are induced by light and music, appearing behind the eyes. The effect is unique for everyone with some experiencing shapes and colours, some imagery, and some even sleep. It offers a way to disconnect from daily life and reconnect to your own brain and senses. The music was specially created by award-winning electronic composer and musician Jon Hopkins. Hopkins' sixth studio album was entitled Music for Psychedelic Therapy, so you can see why he was picked for the job, also having worked with Brian Eno, Four Tet and David Holmes.
An artwork to connect us to our inner visions via technology, Dreamachine was created by a team of people - Turner prize winners Assemble, as well as Collective Act, and a team of philosophers, scientists and tech wizards. The idea was conceived by Jennifer Crook.
The nature of the experience being flashing lights, loud music and strobes, it is important that you do not have adverse sensitivity to such things, and are over 18 years of age.
Get your free tickets here
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Murrayfield Ice Rink, Edinburgh
August 13 - September 25th 2022
Belfast
July 25th - September 4th