A striking art installation, dubbed 'Splendour,' has become the centerpiece of The Other Art Fair in Brooklyn, New York. Designed by the Sydney-based studio Atelier Sisu, this immersive piece combines elements of art and architecture, creating a dynamic visual experience through light and material interaction.
Key Takeaways
- Atelier Sisu's 'Splendour' is the main attraction at The Other Art Fair Brooklyn.
- The installation is a large, floating oculus made of inflatable oval segments.
- Dichroic material on its surface changes color with light and viewing angle.
- It transitions from cool to warm hues, affecting surrounding light.
- Integrated lighting transforms the sculpture into a luminous urban feature at night.
A Fusion of Art and Architecture
Atelier Sisu, led by Renzo B. Larriviere and Zara Pasfield, defines its practice as 'art-chitecture.' This approach merges artistic principles with architectural design, resulting in structures that are both aesthetically compelling and deeply responsive to their environment. 'Splendour' exemplifies this philosophy, serving as more than just a sculpture.
The installation explores how light, color, and specific materials can redefine spatial perception. It highlights the ever-changing relationship between natural and man-made surroundings, inviting viewers to consider light as both a physical element and a sensory experience.
Installation Details
- Name: Splendour
- Design Studio: Atelier Sisu
- Location: The Other Art Fair Brooklyn, NY
- Key Materials: Inflatable oval segments, dichroic film
The Shifting Nature of Light and Color
'Splendour' takes the form of a large oculus, suspended in the air. This floating structure consists of multiple inflatable oval segments. The most distinctive feature is its surface, which is clad in a special dichroic material. This material has a unique property: it refracts and reflects light differently based on the time of day and the angle from which it is viewed.
During daylight hours, the sculpture's color spectrum undergoes a continuous transformation. It shifts from cool, iridescent tones to warmer hues as the sun moves across the sky. This creates a constantly evolving chromatic environment that interacts directly with its surroundings.
"Our aim with 'Splendour' was to create a piece that lives and breathes with its environment. The changing light is not just an external factor; it's an integral part of the artwork itself."
Nighttime Transformation and Urban Interaction
As evening approaches, 'Splendour' undergoes another significant transformation. Integrated lighting systems activate, turning the installation into a powerful luminous structure. This nighttime presence allows it to interact with the ambient urban context, becoming a beacon within the city landscape.
The interplay of light and shadow, combined with the dichroic material's properties, means that the reflected colors shift with the viewer's position. This encourages active engagement, prompting individuals to move around the piece and experience its visual changes from various perspectives.
Art-chitecture Concept
Atelier Sisu's 'art-chitecture' concept emphasizes structures that are both artistic and functional, blurring the lines between traditional sculpture and built environments. Their work often involves large-scale, immersive installations designed to activate public spaces and engage audiences through sensory experiences.
Material Innovation and Spatial Perception
The use of dichroic film is central to 'Splendour's' effect. This material captures sunlight and diffuses it across nearby surfaces, extending the artwork's visual impact beyond its immediate form. The oval segments contribute to a sense of openness and continuity, drawing the eye upwards and around the installation.
The structural rhythm and chromatic variation are defining characteristics of 'Splendour.' These elements combine to create a visually rich composition that encourages contemplation of how light, color, and architectural forms influence our perception of space.
- The oculus form fosters openness.
- Dichroic film spreads light.
- Integrated lighting redefines presence.
- Structural rhythm adds complexity.
Engaging the Public in Brooklyn
The choice of The Other Art Fair Brooklyn as the host for 'Splendour' provides a significant platform for public interaction. The fair aims to showcase independent artists and innovative works, making it an ideal venue for an installation that challenges traditional artistic boundaries.
Visitors to the fair can experience firsthand how the sculpture changes throughout the day, offering a unique and memorable interaction. This emphasis on viewer engagement is a core tenet of Atelier Sisu's design philosophy, aiming to make art accessible and experiential.
The studio's work consistently seeks to create environments that invite people to look closer, think deeper, and feel a connection to the interplay of design and nature. 'Splendour' stands as a testament to this ongoing exploration, leaving a lasting impression on those who encounter it.