Memory of a Star: Forgotten Light Debuts at Foreland
On July 19, 2025, the small town of Catskill, New York, will become the stage for a groundbreaking artistic experience. In collaboration with the Opus 1 Foundation, the Foreland art campus will present
Memory of a Star: Forgotten Light, an immersive sound installation by the multidisciplinary artist
Kyter Steffes. This avant-garde project invites visitors to contemplate what the sound of a star on the brink of collapse might be like.
The Immersive Experience
Set within the historical
Tower Stair at
Foreland, the installation uses the unique acoustics of the six-story structure to create a haunting soundscape. Visitors will experience sonic translations of
millisecond pulsars—stellar remnants that spin at astonishing speeds. Each speaker positioned throughout the stairway unfolds a different aspect of this sound journey, encouraging a meditative exploration of resonance and rhythm. As audiences ascend and descend through the tower, they’re invited to contemplate the very essence of cosmic phenomena vividly brought to life.
Kyter Steffes aims to create a space where audiences can experience emotions they might not even realize they were holding. He explains,
“Forgotten Light is a space to feel something you didn’t know you’d been holding. To hear something ancient. To pause, remember, or simply begin again.” This project combines art and scientific inquiry, showcasing how they can interact to foster emotional resonance and new insights into human experience.
Bridging Art and Science
Memory of a Star is more than a standalone installation; it is part of a larger initiative designed to harness the synergy between art and data. Steffes collaborates with astrophysicists from the
International Pulsar Timing Array, a network dedicated to contemporary galactic science and the study of gravitational waves from the early universe. By transforming data that is typically inaudible into immersive auditory experiences, the project seeks to instill a sense of wonder and reflection.
Chris Coritsidis, CEO of Opus 1 Foundation, adds to this sentiment, stating,
“Memory of a Star represents the kind of impact we’re committed to building.” The project is designed to not only spark emotional responses but also to develop practical applications across sectors such as science, wellness, and education, revealing a remarkable potential hidden within the intersection of art and science.
Accessibility for All
The
Forgotten Light installation is designed with inclusivity in mind. It incorporates sensory-friendly design principles based on collaboration with
KultureCity, ensuring that neurodiverse and sensory-sensitive audiences can fully engage with this innovative experience. This thoughtful integration of accessibility reflects the project's broader commitment to inclusivity.
Event Details
- - Title: Memory of a Star: Forgotten Light
- - Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025
- - Time: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- - Location: Foreland Tower Stair, 111 Water Street, Catskill, NY
- - Presented by: Opus 1 Foundation
- - Artist: Kyter Steffes
- - Press + RSVP: [email protected]
About the Artist
Kyter Steffes stands at the intersection of technology, architecture, and sensory experience. As Lead Design Manager for the
Sphere in
Las Vegas, he has contributed to redefining large-scale storytelling through technology. His collaborations, including work with notable artists like
Dan Colen and
Maya Lin, showcase a dedication to innovative and immersive artistic practices.
Conclusion
Memory of a Star transcends traditional art forms, creating a space for profound reflection through the lens of cosmic phenomena. As individuals navigate the immersive soundscape, they are encouraged to listen, reflect, and engage with the deeper meanings of existence and our place within the universe. Future presentations are planned at other prestigious venues, including
National Sawdust in October 2025 and
Art Basel Miami in December 2025. This exploration of sound and science promises to resonate beyond its immediate setting, encouraging ongoing conversations about art’s role in enhancing our understanding of the cosmos.