NIKA Project Space presents Fever, a multisensory exhibition by artist Christiane Peschek (they/them) inspired by the consequences of global warming and the idea of planetary and bodily fever dreams. Supported by the gallery’s dedicated research programme, the immersive site-specific show is the artist’s first solo in the UAE and explores extreme emotional and physical states through the lens of the Internet’s impact on culture and environment.
In a large-scale takeover of the two-story gallery, Fever blends sound, scent, heat, and visuals to create an experience that explores the inner space between heat-induced delirium, techno-shamanism – a movement combining technology, music, and spirituality – and fiction. On the ground floor of the gallery, Peschek will showcase new portraits on silk created in dialogue with AI and sculptures developed through glass blowing and 3D printing techniques, while the mezzanine will be transformed into an immersive healing oracle installation.
Drawing on their previous research on deserts and care-cultures, Peschek conducted research in Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Desert, from where they articulated their own myths around protective desert snakes, the blurring sensations of mirage formations, and the cyclical dilemma of a figure close to an Ouroboros, a symbol common in Ancient Greek mythology portraying a snake eating its own tail which represents the eternal cycle of life, death and rebirth. In Fever it is rather the venom gland that is swallowed by the poisonous snake, referring to today’s environmental toxicity.
Fever is part of a cycle of works entitled GAIA SCRIPTS that, when complete, will encompass the planet’s five elements. The exploration of extreme heat in Fever represents the element of fire and follows Peschek’s previous works, OASIS (air) and THE RITUALS OF VAPOR SHELLS (water).
Peschek says: “Being in the UAE and cut off from my usual understanding of the world made a huge impact on my practice and on my thought process – particularly with regards to this body of work. I look forward to returning to the UAE, which deeply inspired me and offered a fresh context for ideas about the human condition and its relation to environment and technology that I have been investigating in my practice for many years.”
Veronika Berezina, NIKA Project Space founder, says: “This showcase is the outcome of Christiane’s research with the gallery earlier this year. Working closely with the local context, it exemplifies our dedication to supporting cross-cultural conversations.”
Aligning with the gallery’s mission of platforming artistic discourse and experimentation, the NIKA Project Space research programme welcomed Peschek as part of its third cycle. Most recently, London-based artist Nika Neelova investigated the ancient marine life that once inhabited Buhais Geology Park and the Jebel Buhais archaeological site in Al Madam Plain (Sharjah, UAE). Prior to this, Katya Muromtseva interviewed women migrants in Dubai, whose profoundly personal stories formed the foundation of her solo show at the gallery during a month-long residency.
Launched in 2023 the NIKA Project Space Research programme invites artists to create new work using research-based and experimental creative processes, facilitating the exploration and representation of nuanced societal experiences and historical narratives.
Press release from NIKA Project Space
Image: Christiane Peschek. THE GHOST. 2024. 80 x 100 cm. Image courtesy of the artist
