Rainforest V (variation 3) – Melih Fereli – ARTER

Focusing on a single work from the Arter Collection in each title, Arter Close-Up series continues its journey, following Sarkis' iconic work Çaylak Sokak, with an in-depth look at the interactive installation Rainforest V (variation 3). Acquired for the collection in 2018, the work marks a significant turning point in contemporary art history. Drawing on the presentation of the work in Arter's Karbon performance hall (10 September 2020– 30 January 2022), the publication grows out of a conversation between Melih Fereli, Arter's Founding Director and the exhibition's curator, and John Driscoll & Phil Edelstein, highlighting the evolution of Rainforest, the collaborations cultivated around it, the social rituals of CIE (Composers Inside Electronics, Inc.), its installation process at Arter, and the seeds sown for future initiatives. Designed by Esen Karol, the book features photographs taken by Orhan Cem Çetin from the exhibition at Arter alongside archival photographs that take readers on a journey through the universe of Rainforest. The choreographer Merce Cunningham commissioned David Tudor in 1968 to create a music work Rainforest for his similarly titled dance project. Rainforest V (variation 3) was developed by composers John Driscoll and Phil Edelstein of CIE into a self-performing sound installation building upon their past Rainforest IV collaboration with David Tudor. The presentation of Rainforest V (variation 3) in Arter's Karbon marked the world premiere of the third variation.