Ralo Mayer Exhibition at Secession: Unpacking Science Fiction, Ecosystems, and World Models

This exhibition by Ralo Mayer explores the cultural practices and world models posited by science fiction, using the Biosphere 2, an experimental closed ecosystem, as a central case study. It examines how such models reflect societal organization and the channeling of creativity and desire.

Ralo Mayer's exhibition "Das Muster der Schatten des Spaceframe der Biosphere 2..." delves into the human imagination's engagement with world models, particularly as manifested in science fiction. The exhibition takes the Biosphere 2, an ambitious closed ecosystem experiment in Arizona that later became a 'Space-Age ruin,' as a pivotal subject. Mayer examines how this ambitious project, intended as a microcosm of Earth and a testbed for space colonization, serves as a 'burlesque allegory of comprehensive control over the entirety of life.' The artist's approach is characterized by performative research, a process-oriented artistic knowledge production. He translates the historical science fiction novel "The Ninth Biospherian" into various fragmented and situational forms, presenting an ensemble of intertwined 'experimental arrangements.' These include lists, text fragments, a closed ecosystem in a glass sphere, a time-lapse sequence reminiscent of Eadweard Muybridge's chronophotography, and a 'paratactic ruin of a documentary film about Biosphere 2.' These elements collectively visualize the dynamic interplay between structured, crystalline orders and organic processes within post-Fordist production, questioning the shifts and possibilities arising from the two-dimensional projection of multi-dimensional systems. The exhibition also highlights Mayer's recurring motifs of questioning his own narrative position and authorship, merging fiction and reality. This is evident in the presentation within the 'Multiplex Fiction' magazine format, a metamorphic publication and collaboration project. Video and audio works created for the Secession were developed in collaboration with performer Krõõt Juurak and musician Andreas Berger, further emphasizing the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of Mayer's artistic practice.

Information regarding tickets can be found via a provided link to the 'eventjet' ticketing platform for Secession events. General museum information and ticket details are also available on the Secession website. The exhibition dates are September 19 to November 9, 2008.