Dervish 12
Jennifer Steinkamp, 2004
Information
Created in 2004, Dervish 12 is a digital work of art that utilizes the capabilities of video and computer animation. The installation features four digital trees that move with absolute precision in slow, rhythmic circles of rotation. Their trunks remain stationary while their branches turn to the left and right in a continuous flow. The work is presented as a high-resolution projection in a space suitable for complete aesthetic immersion.
Artistic Context
Jennifer Steinkamp was born in 1958 in Denver, United States. In 1991, she earned her M.F.A. from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. Her installations combine elements from computer animation, video art, painting, and architecture.
Dervish 12 is inspired by the whirling dance of the Dervishes, which symbolizes the soul’s liberation from earthly bonds and communication with the divine. Through the projection of four computer-generated trees that move with rhythm, Steinkamp creates a spiritual experience, full of flow, symmetry, and silent intensity. Her works are housed in major collections and museums in the U.S., and she has participated in large international exhibitions such as the Istanbul and Cairo Biennales. She lives and works in Santa Monica, California.
Placement & Dynamics at The Met
Dervish 12 is part of The Met Hotel’s permanent collection and harmoniously integrates with the hotel’s philosophy of showcasing contemporary art as an experience. Placed in a space of calm and relaxation—a lounge or internal circulation area—it functions as a visual meditation for the visitor. Its fluid movement creates a sense of breathing within the space, a balance between digital rhythm and spiritual tranquility.
Why it deserves your attention
- A Hybrid of Art & Technology: Video animation meets contemporary aesthetics and the philosophy of meditation.
- Spiritual Movement: Inspired by the mysticism of the Dervishes, the work offers an experience that goes beyond the visual and becomes existential.
- Digital Calm: An ideal work for introspection, connecting with the space, and “unplugging” from the urban pace.