formula
2000-05

photo: Eiji Kikuchi

formula, a constantly evolving work updated with each presentation, is a perfect synchronization between Ikeda's sound frequencies and the movements on the screen. It places the viewer in a binary geometry of space, and exploits the darkness to amplify the perceptions, with outstanding success. Ikeda aims for the complete integration of the various elements, composing music, images, lighting and orchestrating the relationships between them through a highly precise score.

credits

directed by Ryoji Ikeda
concept, composition: Ryoji Ikeda

formula [prototype]
video materials and editing: Shiro Takatani
computer graphics: Hiromasa Tomari
lighting and stage design: Takayuki Fujimoto

formula [ver. 1.0 - 2.2]
computer graphics and editing: Shohei Matsukawa
produced by Forma and Ryoji Ikeda

photo: Osamu Watanabe, courtesy of Kazuya Kondo
photo: Osamu Watanabe, courtesy of Kazuya Kondo

This is the first complete monograph about the seminal work of Ryoji Ikeda. With superb attention to detail and layout, the publication documents the artist's latest projects and includes brand-new artwork especially produced for the book. At the same time, formula covers Ikeda's landmark concerts and installations; and his collaborations with, amongst others, celebrated artist/musician Carsten Nicolai, acclaimed performance group Dumb Type and famous architect Toyo Ito. All of the dvd content is only available here, with a 35 minute full video documentation of formula [prototype] concert filmed in Tokyo and 8 sound pieces from installation works. Eagerly awaited, the publication comes in a numbered edition of 3,000. A special limited edition of 100, available exclusively from Forma, includes a new print signed and numbered by the artist. Not only the most complete Ryoji Ikeda catalogue, formula is an intimately-scaled minimalist artwork in itself, and an object of desire. How the book is held may cause the numbers and text, picked out in clear varnish on white page, to shimmer. Every aspect of look and feel has been considered by the artist's critical eye. His superlative production values are ever-present in the quality of the images and the finish. Only through repeated investigation does the publication begin to reveal its richness. Readers will be able to pore over the photographs, ponder the schematics and technical drawings, and enjoy the spacious listings of performances, exhibitions and releases. The artist's first-rate assembly of data, diagrams and video stills create moments of graphic intensity that make the white spaces of the pages surprisingly dynamic. The book is pure pleasure to hold. formula [book + dvd] reflects precise design and the Ryoji Ikeda's flawless selection of surfaces and materials. An exceptional publication, it provides a 'heightened sensory experience' in a similar way to his concerts, installations and sound works.

date | place
NOV, 2002 NTT Publishing, JP
MAR 1, 2005 Forma, UK
spec

Book and dvd contained in clear plastic slip-case in numbered edition of 3000.
[book]: 186mm x 136mm, 96 pages, soft cover, with 62 full colour and 34 monochrome illustrations
[dvd]: features eight sound pieces from installation works and a 35-minute full video documentation of the formula [prototype] concert filmed in Tokyo.
Price: £25.00 | EUR 37.50.
Special limited edition price: £50.00 | EUR 75.00.
ISBN: 0-9548288-0-1
Published by Forma
All texts in English
Distributed by Cornerhouse Publications
www.cornerhouse.org/publications/
Special limited edition of 100 includes a print, signed and numbered by the artist available exclusively from Forma
T +44 (0)191 230 4646 | E sales@forma.org.uk