Wonderspaces expands with new installations

On a Human Scale_Matthew Matthew_Society Hill Films2
‘On a Human Scale’ by Matthew Matthew.
Society Hill Films

Philadelphia is full on wonder this fall.

Wonderspaces at Fashion District Philadelphia is adding two new installations to its show of interactive and experiential artwork. The current collection of global art will now include the most ever pieces with the addition of ‘On a Human Scale’ by Matthew Matthew, ‘Before I Die’ by Candy Chang and returning favorite ‘Dinner Party’ by Charlotte Stoudt, Laura Wexler, Angel Soto, Skybound, Ryot & Telexist.

‘Before I Die’ by Candy Chang. Dara Olayebi

According to the release, ‘On a Human Scale’ is a project which unites voices and faces of the world through technology. The project started as an experiment, by filming everyday New Yorkers singing. The individual voices are woven into an interactive instrument which visitors are invited to play, bringing the immersive audio-visual installation to life. ‘Before I Die’ is a global participatory public art project that reimagines our relationship with death and with one another in the public realm. Originally created by artist Candy Chang in New Orleans after the death of a loved one, the artwork invites people to reflect and share their personal aspirations in public. ‘Dinner Party’ by Charlotte Stoudt, Laura Wexler, and Angel Soto is a virtual reality film based on the story of Betty and Barney Hill, the couple who reported the first nationally known UFO abduction case in America in the 1960s. The film takes the visitor through their abduction journey, which is a remarkably different experience for Betty and Barney.

With the addition of these new pieces, Wonderspaces currently has the largest number of artworks since it arrived in Philadelphia in January 2020, right before the pandemic. The collection has now grown to 16 installations, which will continue to rotate throughout the year, and also includes member and visitor favorites including ‘Submergence’ by Squidsoup, ‘Body Paint’ by Memo Akten and ‘The Last Word’ by Illegal Art.

‘Dinner Party’ by Charlotte Stoudt, Laura Wexler, Angel Soto, Skybound, Ryot & Telexist. Derek Ji

Along with the three installations, Wonderspaces recently announced the reopening of its bar and the debut of new signature cocktails, along with spirits, wine, local beers, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.

Wonderspaces has reduced the number of visitors who enter per 15 minute time slot to roughly 30% of their maximum occupancy, making the experience more personal and intimate, even at peak times. Masks are required for all visitors and team members

“Wonderspaces connects artists and new audiences by presenting extraordinary art in a way that makes everyone feel welcome,” said Wonderspaces co-founder Jason Shin in a statement. “Our show has always been about personal connections between families, small groups of friends, and loved ones. It’s never been about crowds.”

For a full list of installations or to purchase tickets, visit philadelphia.wonderspaces.com