CHOREOGRAPHY / TECHNOLOGY / VISUAL ART / INSTALLATION
Founded by award-winning choreographer and multidisciplinary artist Darren Johnston, Array creates distinct visionary projects that merge choreography, visual art, music, video, and virtual production.
Creating immersive performance through the synergy of multiple art forms. Delivered across theatres, galleries, found spaces and virtual platforms. New technology remains at the forefront, investigated and integrated through a conceptual approach.
“Space between form” is a phrase that could just as easily be applied to the concept of zero point, minimalism or even geometric gesture in the movements of the human body. The concept is infused throughout the piece, not only in the musical structure, but in the construction of the set as well. Beams of light are forged in straight lines around the fluctuating forms of bodies – the darkness between the steps is as crucial as the accentuated gestures. Cycles of breath, shapes, consciousness and technology all come back to each other, in a movement that is much like rebirth.” Aesthetica Magazine
Zero Point was Co-Commissioned by: Museum of Art in Kochi (Japan), Perth International Arts Festival (Aus), Barbican (UK) and The Arts Council of England.
Interview for Aesthetica magazine →
“If there was a Turner Prize for dance, Darren Johnston would undoubtedly be on the shortlist”
The Times
Darren is currently artist in residence at Zaha Hadid Architects in London exploring his new work 'Portal' which has been developed throughout 2022/2023, culminating in an exhibition earlier this year (2023). His most ambitious project to date traversing virtual production in the metaverse through VR and Virtual performance into real world production, and the subsequent creation of an immersive architectural installation. Phase 1 of the project was exhibited at Zaha Hadid Architects Gallery in London featuring installation work, performances and a curated program of events. The project is now under development as a body of work to be completed by 2025. Follow on Instagram for regular updates.
'A metaphor for consciousness, the experience is illusory and immersive.' Resident Advisor
Darren was commissioned by Tim Hecker and Barbican to create a live concert design for his Konoyo album. Drawing influence from Japanese Gagaku (Japanese traditional court music), he created a distinct otherworldly design using a full stage surface of water to generate abstract reflections. The project featured live Gagaku players and Butoh dancers from Japan. Commissioned by Barbican.
'Cycles of breath, shapes, consciousness and technology all come back to each other, in a movement that is much like rebirth.' Aesthetica Magazine
At HUBS IMMERSIVE Festival Darren developed and presented in ‘het Diepe’ (swimming pool) of De Nieuwe Regentes in Den Haag his work-in-progress piece. A new holographic performance inspired by eastern ideas of ritual and ceremony, following his recent trips to Japan. Creating an immersive and illusory world inspired by traditional Gagaku court music and performance from Japan. Developed at 101 Outdoor Arts Space and with support from The Grey Space in the middle and Hubs Festival Den Haag.
‘A parallel trip into strange imaginings’ The Guardian
With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, the artist is curious how industries such as fashion and advertising will use these devices to enhance consumer desire to achieve previously unattainable levels of beauty. Transforming the Oil Tank Culture Park In Seoul into an immersive architectural installation, Plasticity is a ritualistic meditation on futuristic notions of beauty and post humanism. MIIN was commissioned as part of the cultural exchange between Arts Council of England (ACE) and Arts Council of Korea (Arko) and presented as part of SPAF festival in Seoul.
'A striking mix of optical illusion, movement and architecture' The Independent
Zero point VR is a Virtual Reality Meditation on the key Inspirations and concepts behind the Zero Point Stage Show. In this seminary work the Games and Visual Effects Research lab has worked alongside noted Choreographer Darren Johnston of Array UK to produce a piece which guides you through the concepts behind Zero Point. Although the piece was initially intended as a complementary work to the stage show the dancers involved commented on how they found the process of motion capture and development of the experiance informative to the stage piece. The experiance is presented in HTC Vive with room scale tracking however to reduce distraction a concious choice to exclude the motion controllers was made. Instead you interact by focussing your gaze on certain ‘totems’ when maintaining your gaze for more than 10 seconds the totem transports you to the next level.
'A remarkable example of force achieved through stillness'. New Scientist
Award winning multi disciplinary artist from the UK blurring the lines between performance, digital art and architecture.
Darren Johnston is a multi award winning director, choreographer and multidisciplinary artist working across gallery spaces, theatres, site specific/ found space, virtual reality and AI. Technology and experimentation remain at the forefront of his development creating a seamless fusion of artistic forms and immersive experiences.
Graduating from Laban he received the outstanding choreographic achievement award, and throughout his artistic evolution and transdisciplinary journey has been presented with a host of awards including 1st prize at the prestigious ‘International Choroeographen Concours’ in Holland and a Herald Angel Award from the Edinburgh Festival. During his time in Berlin he was resident artist at the legendary Berghain [LINK] creating architectural lighting and projection designs for iconic events. Working directly with Mercedes Benz and Vice magazine he created an innovative 12 hour livestream commercial for their brand new electric car. [LINK]
His unique upbringing and grounding in subcultual electronic music culture has led to notable collaborations with artists including Aphex Twin / Chris Cunningham (here) , Squarepusher, Tim Hecker, Laurel Halo, Mira Calix, Jamie Lidell and the London Contemporary Orchestra. His work is often commissioned and shown at international venues and festivals including The Barbican (London), Parco Della Musica, (Rome), Todays Arts Festival (Holland), The Roundhouse (London), VEO Festival (Valencia), The Queen Elizabeth Hall (London) and The Museum of Art Kochi (Japan).
As an Art Director he has created large scale events including The Diesel Music Awards in London and a be spoke architectural video installation for the launch of the Herzog and de Meuron LABAN building [LINK]
Darren is currently artist in residence at Zaha Hadid Architects working on a new collaborative project with the team. [LINK]
“As much installation as dance… a striking mix of optical illusion, movement and architecture.”
The Independent“Blurs the line between theatre and visual art.”
The Japan times
Additional information including Awards and acknowledgement to key supporters.
AWARDS
LABAN Outstanding Choreographic Achievement award.
First prize at The International Choreographen Concours, Holland
First prize at The First International Competition for Choreography, Belgium
Bonnie Bird Choreography Award
Herald Angel Award
ARTIST RESIDENCIES.
Artist in residence @ Zaha Hadid Architects 2020 – present time
Artist in residence @ Barbican 2014- 2015
Artist in residence @ The Museum of art Kochi, Japan 2013- 2014
Artist in residence @ Berghain, Berlin 2010- 2011
Artist in residence @ The Roundhouse, London 2008-2009
Array acknowledges the support of our key partners who continue to contribute and make the work possible. These include Arts Council England, Barbican, Zaha Hadid Architects, Mercedes Benz, Dance East and Kochi Museum of Art Japan.
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