Carsten Nicolai's Atlas Borealis at Pinksummer Genoa

Carsten Nicolai presents 'Atlas Borealis' at Pinksummer gallery in Genoa, a series of 16 sheets featuring randomly placed colored circles within white frames. The exhibition explores the intersection of rationality and chance, drawing parallels to the lottery—which originated in Genoa. Nicolai, also known as electronic musician Alva Noto, personally installed each work. The project was conceived specifically for the gallery, reflecting his architectural background and passion for star atlases. The installation was originally planned to include a lottery drum, but this element was omitted, a decision the artist considers integral to the work's meaning. Gallerist Antonella Berruti notes that Nicolai always uses the same type of frames. The 16 sheets are arranged as a frieze, creating a performative sequence akin to floating soap bubbles. The work embodies a unique conjunction of order and randomness, where absence is as significant as presence.