There is something truly monumental about large, complex light sculptures and displays in public areas. Most often these light displays are experienced by random visitors that are there for other reasons than the display itself, and then quite often leave the display with an unexpected “wow moment”.
Light displays usually encompass movement and light, sometimes music is involved and occasionally depending upon the display they my be interactive with the visitors, allowing for some type of external control.
Multiverse by American artist Leo Villareal
Leo Villareal was born in 1967 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and began experimenting with light, sound, and video while studying set design and sculpture at Yale University.
Video: Multiverse by American artist Leo Villareal
Multiverse maybe experienced by visitors as they pass through the Concourse walkway between the East and West Buildings of the National Gallery of Art. The development of this LED project began in 2005, the installation took place between September and December 2008. Multiverse features 41,000 computer-programmed LED (light-emitting diode) nodes that run through channels along the 200-foot-long space. This massive light display features movement and light, qualities that make this installation particularly well suited for the well traveled Gallery’s underground walkway.
Photo: Multiverse by Leo Villareal
Multiverse’s Hardware:
- Installed into the existing architecture
- Artist programmed sequences
- Custom-designed software used to create abstract configurations of light
Multiverse’s programming both instructs the lights and allows for an element of chance. Although it is highly unlikely that the pattern will repeat itself. Still, the eye will seek patterns in the motion, a perceptual effect of the hypnotic trailing lights. Multiverse’s powerful, high-concentration projection shines bright, adding another dimension to this otherwise ordinary traveler’s tunnel.
Source:
The National Gallery of Art
Leo Villareal’s Website
