Above: Video stills from "Cromniomancy" (6'56") - Written, directed, shot & edited by Shane Aspegren & Adrian Wong. Animated by Dylan Collard. Narrated by Cynthia Coulson & Andrew Chworowsky.
This body of work was originally presented at Rossi & Rossi in 2016 and later reformatted for the 2023 Macao International Art Biennial.
More information about the Cromniomancy show from Rossi & Rossi Gallery.
From the press Release:
Rossi & Rossi is proud to present Cromniomancy, a collaborative exhibition by Adrian Wong and Shane Aspegren. Following the development of their previous projects, the themes in Cromniomancy are concerned with the notion of divination, and can be seen as a continuation of their series of interventions presented under the collective name The Glorious Phoenix. Inspired by the concept of cymatics, the works will take a number of different forms, including prints, rugs, video and sound. The interdisciplinary nature of their collaboration demonstrates the versatility of the two artists.
The imagery in Cromniomancy suggests exploration of frequencies and cosmic divination. The word Cromniomancy itself relates to the practice of divination by onions, and it has been said that the onion was chosen for its layers. While its natural patterning is not unlike the shapes found within cymatics, the sphere within a sphere of the onion is also symbolic of eternity. Likewise containing healing and medicinal properties, the onion has been associated with esoteric forms of mysticism throughout history.
A related series of projects by the artists launched earlier in the year, Third Eye Kaleidoscope, which occurred over three days, as three different events at three different locations in the city. These interventions predominantly involved bathing the audience in sound and light, speculating the ideas of cosmic frequencies, harmony, and rituals.
An evolving shift from the earlier projects of Third Eye Kaleidoscope, Cromniomancy— through a carefully curated body of work consisting of an animated and narrated video, printed images encased in frames emitting sound and rugs designed around the aforementioned concepts—delivers an equally immersive experience.
Cromniomancy installation view
For works available please contact shaneaspegren at me dot com