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Immersives Theatres

Page history last edited by Kirsty Gharavi 12 years, 11 months ago

Project Title:  "Multiverse" A Light Sculpture

Museum/ Institution: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC 

Program Created:  Installed 2008

Program URL (if available):  NGA video http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/2008/villareal/model.shtm

 

 

Project Image(s) and/or Video

 

  

 

 

 

                                                                     

 

 

 

Media Source(s)/Credit(s):      Images c/o Google Images

 

Program Description: (150-250 words) 

In 2005 the National Gallery of Art in DC decided that something was needed to enliven the 200 feet, underground walkway that joined the East Building to the West Building. The height of the 'tunnel' is approximately 10 feet and the width about 15 feet at the widest part. The result is an immersive installation by the American artist Leo Villareal entitled “Multiverses.” The planning and execution of the project took 3 years to complete and comprises 41,000 LED bulbs that are controlled by a computer program. The lights are positioned in between wooden slats that run horizontally through the ‘tunnel’ and turn on and off in random patterns, abstract forms, and flowing waves. The programming is such that the visitor will seldom, if ever, see the same pattern repeated. In the center of the structure is a moving walkway, which enables the visitor to remain still and observe, whilst being transported to the adjoining wing. One side the wall is concrete and the other is curved and covered with lights – as is the ceiling. The structure appears to be very mathematical in design and linear in progression through the tunnel. Even though the walkway seems physically dark, the overall effect is one that surrounds the visitor with light and movement.

 

Firsthand or secondary review/critique: (150-250 words) The very title "Multiverses" is a clue into this art work by Villareal. Each visitor is free to experience this immersive - even theatrical - structure in their own way and respond as they feel best. It is an artwork that involves the viewer and invites them into a shape that appears long, narrow, and rather puzzling initially, but, once inside the structure, the feeling is one of wonder. The lights dance around the walls and over the ceiling. The effect is almost mesmerizing! The visitor cannot help but marvel as the lights change in frequency, movement and pattern. The lighting is subtle and resembles the vast space of the night sky. Looking closely at the structure one can appreciate the detail and planning that has gone into its complex construction, the imagination and innovation of the author, and the endless meanings and emotions it can evoke in the viewer. During my visit, the space was filled with children ooh'ing and ahh'ing and much conversation. I think it is a fabulous way to connect the traditional art of one wing with the more modern art of another. As an immersive experience, it is a complete success. I doubt many would leave the walkway with a negative impression!

 

Technologies incorporated:  Computer programming, specialized software

 

 

Internally or externally produced: Internally produced by artist and crew of NGA staff & outside contractors

 

Entry Contributor and Date:  Kirsty Gharavi, April 7, 2011

 

Related projects:  Interview with the artist about the installation:

http://dl.luxmedia.com/nationalgallery/audio/091410nl02.mp3

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