Commissioned by non-profit arts organization FirstWorks, Boston-based artist collective MASARY Studios leveraged Epson laser projectors to create an immersive performance installation for visitors at the historic Grace Church in Providence, R.I. As part of Providence’s “Three Nights of Lights” public celebration, MASARY Studios delivered an immersive experience of illumination and sound titled “Recursion and Release” using Epson’s powerful projectors with stunning images and vivid color.
MASARY Studios is a transdisciplinary art studio that explores environments through site-specific installations using sound, light, interactivity, and performance. “Recursion and Release” explored three environments at Grace Church through an acoustic vocal ensemble, digital audio manipulation, video projection, and dynamic lighting. In harmony with the spatialized sound and light, the immersive experience featured a new composition for vocal ensemble by pioneering composer, bandleader and multi-instrumentalist Kitty Brazelton.
“Right in the middle of downtown Providence, Grace Church is an iconic building combining neo-Gothic and modern architectures; a true masterpiece for us to use as a canvas for this project,” said Samo Okerstrom-Lang, principal, MASARY Studios. “The pavilion we worked within at the church has a glass facade, and we used the Epson projectors on the contemporary vaulted ceiling to create an immersive artwork driven by choral singers. Three levels of vocal music were realized into visual images to perform and create a light and sound installation to inspire multiple senses.”
MASARY Studios leveraged five Epson Pro Series 15,000 lumen1 3-chip 3LCD laser projectors with 4K Enhancement Technology2 to create the installation. “The quality of black from the Epson laser technology helps with the fidelity of the artwork,” said Okerstrom-Lang. “The projectors’ compact size and setup tools lend themselves to better efficiencies for our team during the installation.”
“We were thrilled to welcome well over 1,000 people to Grace Church through this magical event,” said Rev. Canon Jonathan Huyck, Rector, Grace Church Providence. “As rector of the parish for the last 14 years, I have never seen our pavilion more creatively used, and it was wonderful to see the church host such a joyful gathering in this holiday season.”
MASARY Studios brought the flexibility and nuance of the human voice together with real-time audio analysis, signal manipulation and audio-reactive video to allow all the parts of the art to be in conversation with each other. Epson projectors helped MASARY Studios blend media art performance technologies, music composition and choral singing into one.
“The Epson laser projector technology gave us the brightness and high-quality images we needed to make a lasting impression for visitors,” said Okerstrom-Lang. “When working within a historic building like Grace Church – that wasn’t designed for the modern technologies we have today – we rely on the flexibility of the technology to create impactful images within tight space constraints. Epson offers projector frames and lens options for a variety of ranges that make our installation seamless.”
“Epson projectors are designed to handle not only the rigors of live events and art installations, but also unique and beautiful facilities like the historic Grace Church,” said Ramzi Shakra, senior product manager, Epson America, Inc. “Merging brightness and versatility with a full suite of tools and technology, Epson’s projectors allow creative professionals like MASARY Studios to create inspiring and impactful events.”
About Epson Projectors
Epson projectors provide more creative possibilities and unparalleled audience experiences. Using state-of-the-art technology to deliver exceptional color output and durability, Epson delivers comprehensive projector and display solutions that enhance communication, inspire collaboration and enable visionaries to create immersive experiences across a range of environments, including corporate and education spaces, exhibits and museums, and live events. For more information, visit www.epson.com/liveevents.
About MASARY Studios
MASARY Studios is a transdisciplinary artist collective reconsidering environments through site-specific installations using sound, light, interactivity, and performance. Based in Boston, the studio’s practice includes live percussion performance, electronic music and production, video projection, artistic research, technology and materials fabrication, and the expansive use of animation. The studio is artist-owned and managed and was founded in 2015. www.masarystudios.com
About FirstWorks
FirstWorks is a non-profit based in Providence, Rhode Island whose purpose is to build the cultural, educational and economic vitality of its community by engaging diverse audiences with world-class performing arts and education programs. Now approaching its 20th anniversary, FirstWorks festivals, performances and programs have attracted more than 700,000 participants since its founding in 2004. During its 2022-23 season, FirstWorks produced over 40 arts education events reaching over 2,400 Rhode Island youth. Virtual Learning online platforms furthered FirstWorks educational reach and have so far engaged over 100,000 views from students, educators, and families. FirstWorks is the founding partner of PVDFest and has collaborated with the City of Providence to curate and produce the City’s free, signature arts celebration since 2015. Embracing collaboration, FirstWorks has fostered over 90 community partnerships across business, social service, government, arts and education sectors. Visit https://firstworks.org to learn more.
About Epson
Epson is a global technology leader whose philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson’s goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050.
