For Immediate Release
POETIC KINETICS FINDS A HOME FOR “ESCAPE VELOCITY” ASTRONAUT AT THE SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA
ART FROM THE NATION’S TOP MUSIC FESTIVAL RENEWS A LOVE OF SCIENCE
February 19, 2015- Escape Velocity, the giant kinetic astronaut from the 2014 Coachella Music and Arts Festival will be unveiled as part of the Space: Out of Gravity Experience exhibition, opening February 20 at the Science Museum of Minnesota in Saint Paul. At the entrance of the 60’ atrium in the Science Museum, “Escape Velocity” will greet visitors face-to-face, suspended from the ceiling as if drifting through the weightlessness of outer space.
In April 2014, Escape Velocity garnered worldwide media attention for both the size of the model (58’ long x 36’ tall x 40’ wide) and the onboard technology. This gigantic kinetic sculpture featured radio-controlled animatronics, which gave it the ability to articulate life-like gestures such as the peace and thumbs-up signs. Other systems customized the name displayed on the space suit’s name-tag while also using dual projectors to map video to the inside of the room-sized helmet. In a whimsical exhibition of technological wizardry, passersby could then have their face broadcasted into the helmet so that they might ponder the questions of the cosmos or snap a memorable selfie.
For many, “Escape Velocity” represented the wonder and sense of adventure that are characteristic of the festival experience, while also offering homage to scientists so bold they would reach for the stars. “We are inspired by the possibility of science and space exploration. In creating the Astronaut, we were thrilled to engage Coachella festival-goers with the interactive nature of Escape Velocity, essentially allowing them to see themselves as space explorers. Having the Astronaut ultimately land at the Science Museum of Minnesota to continue this mission is a dream come true.” Said Patrick Shearn, President of Poetic Kinetics.
Escape Velocity will be with the Space exhibition at the Science Museum of Minnesota during its run from February 20 to September 7, 2015.
By connecting with the community in this way Escape Velocity reminds us that space exploration is still a hallmark of the American story. As Escape Velocity continues the adventure from art studio to music festival to science museum those who see it in Saint Paul can share in that history and be reminded of the indistinguishable boundaries between art, music, and science. Perhaps it will also impart the creative passion that will lead to the next great innovations in the human experience, which will, in turn, be celebrated by the next generation in the songs and art of tomorrow.
Expect to see more amazing art from Poetics Kinetics in 2015!
ABOUT POETIC KINETICS
Poetic Kinetics has most recently focused on pioneering new uses for large-scale kinetic art installations, experiential design & technology, and time-lapse film production. Excited by creative concept development, Poetic Kinetics specializes in Animatronics, Solar Technology, Flame Effects & Fire Performance, Performance Development & Direction, Aerial Performance & Rigging, Environment & Experience Design, Large Scale Choreography, Lighting Design & Video Production, Event and Installation Production, Theatrical Costuming & Set Design. This creative, diverse team can dream anything up and make it real. Their passion and dedication take them far, creating magic at festivals and events around the world.
For more on Poetic Kinetics go to www.PoeticKinetics.com
Press Contact: Desiree Barlow | [email protected]
The Team
Setting up Escape Velocity at the Science Museum of Minnesota