The Wind Up Series Presents Mystic Crystal Ball, Inspired by threeASFOUR Comes to Jewish Museum 10/24

threeASFOUR: MER KA BA

Immersing visitors in an ethereal and meditative environment, the installation features a "temple" in the shape of half a three-dimensional six-pointed star designed in collaboration with Studio Christian Wassmann. A patterned floor of mirrors creates the illusion of a complete six-pointed star, while selections from threeASFOUR's newest collection are positioned throughout the gallery. Visitors are invited to enter the mirror-lined interior of the "temple" structure. Video projections of the five Platonic solids, created with the 3D animation designer Alex Czetwertynski, and specially commissioned sound by composer Raz Mesinai further enliven the space.

The Crystal Ark is a collaborative, body-centric, New York pop project of Gavin Russom and Viva Ruiz. The group began when Russom asked Ruiz to write and sing Spanish lyrics over a pair of instrumentals he had created, blending his signature hypnotic synthesizer sound with distinctly movement friendly beats. Ruiz's vocalizations, which blended song, spell and rallying cry, became the group's first two singles released on New York's DFA label: "The City Never Sleeps" and "The Tangible Presence of the Miraculous." The second single featured percussionist Alberto Lopez's polyrhythmic drumming as a supplement to the driving electronic pulse, forming The Crystal Ark's sound. A desire to expand this sound solidified Russom and Ruiz's collaboration, establishing Lopez as a member of the group and leading to additional members: vocalists Jaiko Suzuki and Sokhna Heathyre Mabi, bassist Tyler Pope and Eliza Douglas, and electronics expert Matt Thornley. The Crystal Ark's first full length album was released in October 2012, and launched a live show, featuring the full band plus dancers Irene Discos and Alberto Cortes, and a video crew comprised of Bec Stupak and Johnny Woods. This line up has appeared at venues such as the Sydney Opera House, Palais De Tokyo, The Hirshhorn Museum, and MOMA PS1.

Public Programs at The Jewish Museum are supported, in part, by public funds from by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Major annual support is provided from public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo. The stage lighting has been funded by the Office of Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer.

About The Jewish Museum

Widely admired for its exhibitions and collections that inspire people of all backgrounds, The Jewish Museum is one of the world's preeminent institutions devoted to exploring art and Jewish culture from ancient to contemporary. The Jewish Museum organizes a diverse schedule of internationally acclaimed and award-winning temporary exhibitions as well as dynamic and engaging programs for families, adults, and school groups. For general information, visit TheJewishMuseum.org or call 212.423.3200.