Upon stepping into the "Electric Idyll" by Swiss artist Pipolitti Rist at Doha’s Fire Station, hailed as a prominent art venue in the Qatari capital, visitors are enveloped in an entrancing atmosphere. Described as a "hypnotic diorama" in the exhibition notes, it unfolds as a comprehensive blend of digital and physical elements, forming a surreal dreamscape. The dimly lit space is adorned with an immersive setup featuring a bed, armchairs, and psychedelic lighting, accompanied by textile wall art and curtains. Meanwhile, music fills the air through speakers, further enhancing the captivating ambiance. Among the displays are new creations alongside Rist's acclaimed works, notably her 1997 masterpiece "Ever is Over All," which earned her the esteemed title of best young artist at the 1997 Venice Biennale.
Under the direction of Massimiliano Gioni, who is also credited with organizing the 55th Venice Biennale in 2023, "Electric Idyll" promises to be an immersive experience delving into topics of gender, technology, and nature.
Scheduled until June 1, 2024, this exhibition marks Rist's second significant showcase in Doha, following her earlier installation "Your Brain to Me, My Brain to You" (2022), housed at the National Museum of Qatar until April 30, 2024.
Gioni shared insights with Arab News, stating, "Our approach to this exhibition complements the display at the National Museum. We aimed to present a comprehensive view of Rist's career spanning from the 1990s to the present day. Instead of a typical retrospective with artworks shown in sequence, we worked with the artist to create a complete installation – an immersive environment where pieces from different periods converse, creating a unified artistic realm blending videos, sounds, lights, furniture, and design."
Highlighting the interactive nature of the exhibition, Gioni emphasized, "Audiences are encouraged to engage with and inhabit the installations, infusing the exhibition with vitality as they become integral participants."
Within the Fire Station, groups of visitors gather on sofas, engrossed in laughter and conversation, already transforming Rist's artwork into a hub for communication and cooperation on a social level.
Gioni explained Rist's themes, noting that her work encourages us to think about how technology and media influence our thoughts and dreams, promoting community over isolation. He also mentioned her depiction of nature's beauty, suggesting it prompts us to rethink our relationship with the universe, and highlighted how her inclusive spaces broaden our understanding of art as a means for collective growth.
