Australian-first as Modern Guru unravels happiness at Coffs Harbour

An other-worldly enchanted space where the senses are tantalised will open at Coffs Harbour tonight. 

The trio of three-dimensional mind-bending exhibitions are showing at the City of Coffs Harbour’s Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM). 

Modern Guru and the Path to Artificial Happiness, Electric Dreams and Serendipia all play with light. 

Critically acclaimed internationally, this is the first time Modern Guru has been presented in Australia. 

“These exhibitions have been developed exclusively for YAM,” City of Coffs City Planning and Communities Director Chris Chapman said. 

“We believe these stunning works will bring new audiences to Yarrila and that they’ll stretch people’s imaginations.” 

Nimrod Weis, one of the creators of Modern Guru which has exhibited at France, Netherlands, Singapore and Taiwan, said “what a beautiful space (Yarrila).” 

“It’s a privilege to share this art around the world.” 

Visitors will have to navigate past giant inflatable trees and animated stick insects before facing the Modern Guru. Take his photo and he’ll spit out a printed unique message just for you. 

“We’re actually asking AI about happiness, and some of the answers are almost satire,” Weis said. 

“All the characters in this space are interactive. The work is immersive and even the trees will sing.” 

Entry to the exhibitions is free and they will be on show at YAM through to November 10. 

Throughout the exhibition period there will be free family activities in The Workshop starting with a glow in the dark artmaking session with artists Kathryn Cowen and Gareth Jenkins on Saturday 24 August from 10am to midday. 

That same day visitors can join Weis for a free talk at 1pm about the exhibition, AI and technology in art. 

Serendipia is a combination of moving images and glow in the dark futuristic plant-like forms. 

“We’re inspired by nature as it continually reinvents itself,” artist Gareth Jenkins said. 

Serendipia co-creator Kathryn Cowen: “The process involves a lot of experimentation to create an immersive environment”. 

Photo: City of Coffs Harbour Museum and Galleries Service Leader Carrie Kibbler inside Modern Guru and the Path to Artificial Happiness at Yarrila Place.