Axis Mvndi is a device that sends radio waves in space in order to draw shapes at a cosmic scale. By playing on the movement of a dish antenna, ancient cosmological models are materialized into space and become autonomous shapes in infinite movement. The shapes drawn by Axis Mvndi correspond to representations of the universe imagined during antiquity: Babylonian constellations, seas of the Hindu cosmic egg, Greek burning wheels or Norse Yggdrasil. Using modern techniques to project these figures in space, Axis Mvndi is positioned as a poetic realization of these ancient representations.

The installation was centered around a motorized 2m parabolic dish antenna. This antenna, rotating continuously, broadcasting waves in the desired direction to achieve the drawing of a cosmological form. On a wall, a video projection follows in real time the course of waves. Anthropological and scientific documentation on cosmological representations is displayed on another wall.

As  part of the Watermans Weekender, Klio Krajewska, Watermans’ Head of New Media Arts Development, gave guided tours of the exhibition on 11 & 12 June.

Artistic direction and technical development : Nicolas Montgermont 

Software development : Nicolas Montgermont.

Executive producer : Julien Taïb / Crossed Lab 

Co-production : Art Kill Art, Uchronies, Ososphère, Espace Multimédia Gantner, Les Nouveaux Locos
Scientific advices : Jean Claude Patalano, Eric Sambath, Pierre Braissant – CNES Photos and videos : Léa Erlandes, Nicolas Montgermont
Supported by : CNES / Observatoire de l’espace, Eleonore / StadtWerStatt, CNC / DICREAM, CNAP 

Thanks to : Cyrille Henry, Gil Savoy, Clémence Seurat, Gérard Azoulay, Perrine Gamot, Franz Xaver, Shu Lea Cheang, Cécile Beau, Valérie Perrin, Thierry Danet, Pierre Piccon, Merryl Messaoudi,Sani Marcovici.