Doug Wheeler’s “SA MI 75 DZ NY 12” installation view via David Zwirner Gallery
The serendipitous grids of New York City where there is at least one of every thing and every one, are imbued with the spirit of infinity. With his first solo gallery show, 72 year-old American artist Doug Wheeler has bestowed the city with a more traditional, yet whimsical portal to infinity called “SA MI 75 DZ NY 12.”
The lobby of David Zwirner Gallery becomes a waiting room as it caps viewers to seven at a time. Patrons shift around a semi circle until called up to remove their shoes and replace them with white medical booties. They form a line against a wall in front of a glowing empty white room and receive a standard set of “do not touch” instructions. Upon entering the room and walking toward the wall, a silent now what? hangs in the air. Hands reaching out to the wall don’t stop, as there is none. The fourth wall is an illusion created by white light that perfectly matches the room. This is the greatest moment of the experience, like Wonderland’s Alice stepping through her mirror. Bewildered, viewers continue to walk, unsure of where the void ends. A vague heat surrounds the area but it’s unclear whether it’s coming from the powerful light or adrenaline. Eyes cease to function, as there is nothing to focus on. It is the same somewhat frightening sensation we can experience in a completely dark space, where there is no difference between opened and closed eyes. But never do we get a chance to experience this with pure white light instead of blackness.
Several feet ahead, there’s a rounded incline, the only indication that the space doesn’t continue on forever. Instinctively, everyone looks back and sees an intricate rig of lights. Though impractical, solitary time for each visitor would make the experience much more powerful.
Doug Wheeler’s “SA MI 75 DZ NY 12” is now on view at David Zwirner Gallery in Chelsea until February 25th.
