The explosive history of nuclear weapons is explored in a new multimedia experience. the bomb, at the Brooklyn art space Pioneer Works. Created by artist Smriti Keshari and critically acclaimed writer Eric Schlosser, the installation was originally scheduled to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 2020. Making its debut this year, the bomb immerses viewers in the story of nuclear weapons—from the Trinity Test in 1945 to current discourses today in 2021. You can experience the bomb and two other immersive exhibitions at Pioneer Works at a private viewing with Untapped New York Insiders on Wednesday, April 21st!
Exterior of Pioneer Works, Photo by Walter Wlodarczyk
The design of the exhibition, a circular floor-to-ceiling bank of screens with exposed wiring and circuit boards, was inspired by nuclear weapon command and control centers. It is meant to suggest “the technological fallibility of such systems, the devastating consequences of potential errors and malfunctions, and the impossibility of ever fully controlling these machines.” The exhibition is built around a 59-minute film composed of animation and archival footage. The imagery is accompanied by an original score from electronic music quartet The Acid.
Installation view of Patty Chang: Milk Debt at Pioneer Works. Courtesy of the artist and Pioneer Works. Photo by Dan Bradica.
the bomb is one of three art exhibitions that are new to Pioneer Works this spring. Also on view, visitors can see Milk Debt, a multi-channel video installation by artist Patty Chang. Chang’s exhibit features lists of fears solicited from an open call in Hong Kong and the United States. Brand New Heavies, an exhibition curated by Racquel Chevremont and Mickalene Thomas opens on April 2nd. The new exhibition will feature new, site-specific installations that combines video, sculpture, and architecture, and comprises natural, industrial, and found material. Contributing artist include Abigail DeVille, Xaviera Simmons, and Rosa-Johan Uddoh.
Visitors to Pioneer Works can experience the bomb and Milk Debt now through May 23rd. Brand New Heavies will run through June 20th, 2021. Reservations are required and can be made online. Admission is a suggested $10 donation.
Nicole Saraniero is the Insider-in-Chief at Untapped New York, leading our Untapped New York Insiders membership program. Nicole graduated from Hofstra University with a Bachelor of Science in Televis
