The Imponderable: Archives of Tony Oursler

Imponderable is an extensive research project that investigates the personal collection of American artist Tony Oursler. It is a remarkable trove of more than 2,500 photographs, publications and unique objects, tracking a social, spiritual and intellectual history dating back to the early 18th century. The resulting exhibition presents a new video produced by Oursler and presented in 4D with theatrical special effects as well as a reading room with projected lectures by Noam Elcott, Branden W. Joseph, Stephanie O’Rourke, and Oursler and the extensive catalogue of the artist’s archive. The exhibition, curated by Tom Eccles and Beatrix Ruf on behalf of the LUMA Foundation, was first presented at the Les Rencontres d’Arles photography festival in Arles in the summer of 2015 and will travel internationally. The 655-page publication, designed by Zak Keyes and produced in collaboration with JRP/Ringier, extensively illustrates the Oursler archive and is accompanied by scholarly texts by Branden W. Joseph, Noam Elcott, Pascal Rousseau and others.

The project’s title, Imponderable, suggests the idea of something that cannot be determined with accuracy. 18th century scientists used the word to describe magnetism, electricity, and other than unquantifiable energies, many of which are represented in Oursler’s archive. The imponderable also suggests an area of open speculation populated by numerous conflicting belief systems. But Oursler is also interested in how even the most incredible ideas can be presented in such a way that they convince the audience of their veracity.