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I know I'm not dreaming when I gasp at the quivering bits of brilliant light that bounce off crystal stones in a massive 11x42-meter wall in the entrance hall walk-in kaleidoscope" Swarovski Crystal Worlds, near Innsbruck, Austria.
I gulp even harder at the next display because it's not every day that I see the world's biggest cut crystal, sitting in the middle of a foyer, a mere 300,000 carat beauty with 100 facets! In distinctive contrast, the smallest crystal (also on show) measures 0.8 mm in diameter with just 17 facets.
In a continuous round of fine contemporary art I pause to admire Keith Haring's black crystal stele, John Brekke's poems on crystal rings and Niki de St. Phalle's nana hoisting a huge crystal. They're all here to enjoy: folkart, painftings, sculptures and photographs, including creations by Andy Warhol, Giselle Freund, Hemut Newton, Edward Steichen, Peter Pontgratz, Hubert Aratym and Christian Ludwig Attersee.
Swarovski Crystal Worlds is a place that releases the kid in all of us, essentially fulfilling founder Andre Heller's intention to present "a place for people to enter the reality of a fairytale and suddenly actually feel what they had so far only known in their dreams."
Heller presents a bewildering look at crystal in every dimension, saluting the music of Brian Eno, Susanne Schmogner's theatrical displays, Jane Haidacher's scent concept and the video creativity of Maria Vedder, among others on his select team.
The Crystal Dome encourages meditation to the fascinating light and sound sensations of Englands's Brian Eno, a recording producer, composer and rock musician. It's instant magic with 590 triangular mirrors, fostering the feeling that I am entering a gigantic crystal. This sensory experience is one this self-styled new age artist wishes to replicate in cities worldwide.
Susan Schmogner's multi-talent as a painter and stage designer literally explodes in the Crystal Theatre for all to see. Inspired by Heller to mirror the 350-meter space with water under a Venetian pier, the creator unleashes a dazzling display splashed with an unerring deference to unorthodox treatments. Most of all, I love the zany application of metamorphosis (the 'butterfly plant') and there are some impressive, but weird looking figurines by Schmogner.
Drifting: Video Installations for Twelve Monitors by Maria Vedder in the Ice Passage is bound to tickle your fancy, but to what degree would it match mine? Only time will tell. Monitors set within the floor and wall diagonally generates images as the viewer stands over them in this tunnel room, only 20 meters long.
Vedder's fantasy world of eternal ice is captivating. Towering snow-capped mountains gradually shed their icy appearance to reveal old men and a polar bear at night. The interaction between subject and onlooker manifests the role of the monitor as not only the means to transmit images, but also another way to gain entry into someone else's world.
Now this is my first experience with a three-dimensional display that doesn't make me look like I'm about to be beamed up by Scotty with funny looking 3-D glasses. The brainchild of German artist Roland Blum allows visitors to stand anywhere in the Planet of Crystals to view presentations.
Again I am filled with utter delight as the "birth" of the planet is heralded so loudly that I am startled when fish appear and I can see and hear showers raining down and the twitter of birds as they fly around.
And if you have never seen crystal calligraphy (it's a first for me) Paul Seide's wall high rendition of crystal 'writing' reinforces the versatility of this phenomenon.
Before I bid farewell to this crystal oasis I must see what is probably the most complete selection of Swarovski products in the world. Decorative figurines, miniatures, and special editions for members of the Swarovski Collectors Society adorn shelves and showcases. Designer names include Ettore Sotsas, Alessandro Mendini and Andree Outman, while Daniel Swarovski Paris jewelry collection and accessories make their debut in-store.
For the nature lover in your life, Swarovski's product range includes optical precision instruments in the Swarovski Optik division. Binoculars and telescopes are among the high-tech optics available that lets you see "with the eyes of a hawk."
It's a splendid idea to "come down to earth" by ending a visit to Swarovski Crystal Worlds with an outdoor jaunt. Climb up the giant's back and feast on an incredibly green panorama and distant mountains. Take time to wander in and out of the maze of trees, shaped like Heller's left hand and enjoy the playgrounds.
Enchanting? Mesmerizing? Spectacular? Yes! Yes! Yes! I can't wait to do this all over again!
SWAROVSKY CRYSTAL WORLDS (KRISTALLWELTEN)
PamelaAnn Campbell,
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