The Cosmic House, a Postmodern architectural marvel, has recently unveiled an immersive installation by artist Isaac Julien, titled 'All That Changes You. Metamorphosis'. This piece, a collaboration with Mark Nash, is a visual feast that captivates and challenges viewers. The installation, located in the semi-basement entrance of the Cosmic House, uses mirrors to create a kaleidoscope of imagery, amplifying the experience of the film work. The central theme of transformation, as reflected in the title, is reinforced by the fractured, reflected imagery, offering a visually poetic exploration of existence's defining condition. The film's narrative, carried by Sheila Atim and Gwendoline Christie, is set against a backdrop of stunning, richly textured spatial imagery, filmed in diverse settings ranging from the natural to the man-made. This deliberate play on Ovid's Metamorphoses, a poem from 8CE, adds depth to the piece, with sequences filmed at the Palazzo del Te, a high-Mannerist building packed with iconography from Ovid's tales, being particularly dominant. The architecture of the Cosmic House itself, with its references to the sun and the cosmos, complements the film's themes, offering a unique, postmodern experience. However, the minimal modernist interiors, while beautifully filmed, may disappoint some, as they could have been more iconic. The installation creates a dialogue with the house, inviting visitors to explore the interplay between art and architecture. The script, drawing on feminist science fiction and critical theory, raises thought-provoking questions about humanity's relationship with the natural world and a post-human future. The imagery, while at times OTT, is a feast for the eyes, almost tipping over into AI-produced territory. In my opinion, 'All That Changes You. Metamorphosis' is a must-see for anyone interested in art, architecture, and the exploration of transformation. It is a rich, allusive experience that leaves a lasting impression, and I believe it should be a highlight for visitors to the Cosmic House this year.
