Zoro Feigl, Phaethon, 2024*

A large paper circle hangs on the wall in the stairwell. If you look closely, you can see that the surface is moving. The paper vibrates slowly up and down – sometimes accelerating, sometimes in slow motion, and sometimes in a nervous, jerky way.

This work by artist Zoro Feigl (born 1983) captivates viewers by defying sensory expectations, revealing things that seem utterly impossible. The paper is set in motion by an electromagnet, while a light flickers across its surface at such high speed that it becomes nearly imperceptible to the human eye. As the frequency of the light and the vibrations are not quite in sync, new rhythms emerge, creating the illusion of movements that aren’t actually happening – much like the effect of car wheels appearing to spin in reverse.

This installation combines Zoro Feigl’s fascination with movement with his interest in origami and the works of artists associated with the Zero movement – artists such as Ad Dekkers, Jan Schoonhoven and Henk Peeters, who feature prominently in the museum’s collection. They created monochrome reliefs with geometric elements, often in white to optimise the effect of light.

Feigl’s works are experiments in which he explores movement, light and optical effects. His installations are never severe, but always playful and often large in size. Despite his use of crude materials and industrial motors to drive the motion, the resulting works often feel remarkably supernatural and organic.

Zoro Feigl (1983)
Phaethon, 2024
Paper, steel, wood, lamps, electromagnets, electronics
Stedelijk Museum Schiedam

This acquisition was made possible with the support of the Mondriaan Fund.

Image: Zoro Feigl, Phaethon, 2024. Photograph: Aad Hoogendoorn