Mercer Labs in New York is opening a new immersive exhibit for Halloween called ‘Dark Matter’ that explores the darkness of the human psyche.
Running on select evenings from 4 October until 30 October, ‘Dark Matter: Nightmare Before Midnight’ is the brainchild of artist Roy Nachum, Mercer Labs’ co-founder and creative director.
Mercer Labs says the spooky show explores the depths and darkness of the human psyche and paranormal expression through immersive visuals, interactive displays, audio installations, oil painting, and robots.
“Dark Matter examines the role of darkness in art history,” said Nachum. “Revealing how the subconscious uncertainty and the unknown has shaped artistic movements and expressed cultural anxieties across time. The exhibition is a mirror to our fears and fascinations with the unknown.”
Dark Matter contains 15 installations that investigate the “surreal and hypnotic themes of darkness and the human psyche and the unsettling realm of nightmares, inner demons and paranormal occurrences,” Nachum told Time Out.
“Since the beginning of human existence, darkness has been a constant presence,” he said. “Nightmares are manifested fears, where the subconscious grapples with panic, uncertainty and the unknown, a universal phenomenon we share as humans. Inspiration is both personal and has a foundation in art and art history.”
‘Dark Matter: Nightmare Before Midnight’
Nachum added: “The nightmare and the supernatural drive the powerful audio-visual narratives, inviting visitors to confront their fears, explore darkness and to understand how darkness has shaped art, culture and the human experience.”
Mercer Labs opened early this year as New York’s latest space for immersive art. It offers 15 experimental exhibition spaces, interactive experiences and immersive installations.
It was created by Nachum, the artist behind Rihanna’s 2016 ‘Anti’ album cover, alongside his business partner and real estate developer Michael Cayre.
Eerie events are growing in popularity, with visitor attractions seeking to boost sales through expanded and unique experiences.
Images courtesy of Mercer Labs
