Doug Aitken

 

New Horizon, 2019

Art and the Landscape / The Trustees

Multiple Site, Massachusetts

July 2019

In July 2019 Doug Aitken presented New Horizon, a multifaceted art event that challenged the notion of art in the 21st-century. The project was composed of a series of live events across the state of Massachusetts, centered around a stunning reflective hot air balloon and gondola.

Parting from the notion of a journey, Aitken employed the balloon as a platform to explore the modern landscape and create a sense of wonder through a floating sculpture that fluctuates between a reflective mass and an orb of spinning light. New Horizonprovided a multi-sensory experience within a natural setting to audiences who in most cases had limited access to contemporary public art.

The events took place at a selection of iconic Trustees properties, starting at Long Point Reservation in Martha’s Vineyard on July 12, 2019, followed by stops in the greater Boston area, including the Crane Estate in Ipswich and ending on July 28, 2019, at Naumkeag in the Berkshires. 

At a time of an unprecedented flow of information and technological advancement, New Horizon served as a platform to explore the edge of society through a series of conversations developed with local partners for each site. At each stop the balloon touched down becoming a happening. It was both an artwork and an event where ideas, conversation, music and art were shared. The journey created a continuous, flowing event, encountering unique individuals and providing an insight into the future of our culture.

Aitken’s artwork was the fourth installation in The Trustees’ Art and the Landscape Initiative, designed to present site-specific works that engage visitors by offering new ways of experiencing both the property and public art.

Selected Events:

Friday, July 12
Long Point Wildlife Refuge, West Tisbury, MA
Martha's Vineyard
6PM | Happening: The Future of Creativity

Renowned architect Lord Norman Foster, New Horizon creator Doug Aitken, and distinguished artist Sarah Morris discussed creative process and their sources of inspiration.
Light spectacle after sunset, accompanied by musical performance by Chadwick Stokes (of Dispatch & State Radio) and Kelsey Lu.

Sunday, July 14
Long Point Wildlife Refuge, West Tisbury, MA
Martha's Vineyard
6PM | Happening: The Future of Climate
Partner: Woods Hole Research Center

Spencer Glendon, an expert in economic history and financial systems, and Chris Neill, an ecosystems ecologist, discussed how our notions of progress, permanence, and preservation will change as the global climate grows warmer and less stable, and how future landscapes can be designed to optimize benefits for climate, wildlife, and society.

Light spectacle after sunset, accompanied by musical performances from Helado Negro and Kelsey Lu.

Friday, July 19
Holmes Reservation, Plymouth, MA
6PM | Happening
Light spectacle after sunset, accompanied by musical performances from Mac DeMarco and Lonnie Holley

Saturday, July 20
deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln, MA
5PM | Happening: The Future of Information

Conversation with Gideon Lichfield, editor-in-chief of MIT Technology Review. Confronted with fake news and information bubbles, how do traditional media companies become platforms for communities to address the challenges society faces in a more equitable and inclusive manner?
Light spectacle after sunset, accompanied by musical performances from Julie Byrne, Julianna Barwick, and Mary Lattimore.

Sunday, July 21
Castle Hill on The Crane Estate, Ipswich, MA
6PM | Happening: The Future of Identity
Partner: World Frontiers Forum

A digital activity that created a virtual identity mined by tech firms. World Frontiers Forum’s David Edwards discussed how we can take advantage of the conveniences afforded by digital technology without sacrificing our privacy.
Light spectacle after sunset, accompanied by musical performances from Moses Sumney and Julianna Barwick.

Thursday, July 25
Field Farm & Guest House, Williamstown, MA
6PM | Happening: The Future of Culture

Culture defines human civilization, yet it is often overlooked or disregarded when addressing real world problems. Doug Aitken and curator Pedro Alonzo discussed the fundamental role culture plays in revealing our humanity.
Light spectacle after sunset, accompanied by musical performances from Destroyer and No Age.

Saturday, July 27
Naumkeag House & Gardens, Stockbridge, MA
Naumkeag Garden Party | 4-7PM
An inspired celebration of the gardens, history, and splendor of one of the Berkshires' most celebrated National Historic Landmarks, featuring New Horizon.
Naumkeag After Dark | 8-10PM
Music: Bang on a Can plays Terry Riley's In C

Project Website

IG @dougaitkenworkshop / dougaitkenworkshop.com

Photo credits: Above Summit; Carmen Ellis; Jamie Barron.