A recent visit to the Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, North Carolina included a most unexpected discovery.  Flying School (Ecole d’aviation) is an art installation by Canadian artist Diane Landry.  The motorized sound installation features 24 multi-colored umbrellas which open and close in a series of orchestrated moves.
Umbrellas in Diane Landry’s Flying School   @FanningSparks Halogen lighting is placed under the umbrellas projecting their shadows onto the ceiling.  A plaintive melody, reminiscent of the inhaling and exhaling of breath, is synchronized with the shadow action.  It’s a slow dance of light and shadow… mesmerizing in its simplicity.
Diane Landry’s Flying School Shadow Display    @FanningSparks |
Diane Landry’s Flying School Shadow Display    @FanningSparks
This isn’t the only art exhibit I’ve seen featuring light and shadow.  When I visited the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia last summer, a structure by Canadian artist Lyla Rye caught my eye.  The structure, titled Dome, is constructed of aluminum tubes, bungie cords and nylon strapping.  It is part of the artist’s “Nomadic Architecture series, a collection of tent-like sculptures that merge elements of traditional portable structures from around the world with contemporary materials and references to Western architectural history.”
Dome by Lyla Rye   @FanningSparks
The structure was interesting but it was the intricate web of lines and shadows I found most intriguing.
Lyla Rye’s Dome Shadow Display    @FanningSparks
Lyla Rye’s Dome Shadow Display    @FanningSparks
Shadows can also be used for dramatic lighting displays.  Below is a beautiful sculpted wall from a hotel lobby in Madrid, Spain.
Light and Shadow Wall Sculpture   @FanningSparks
Here is a closer look at the striking rectangular arrangement.
Light and Shadow Wall Sculpture Closeup    @FanningSparks
Photography is often described as the study of light so it stands to reason photographers would be interested in shadows.  Shadows are, after all, the result of blocked light.  I’m often drawn to shadows in the sunlight and have made more than a few attempts to capture the magic of these fleeting moments.
Delicate foliage, such as fern and palm fronds, cast particularly beautiful shadows.
Shadows of Fern Fronds in Sunlight   @FanningSparks
Shadows of Palm Fronds in Belize Sunlight   @FanningSparks
Here curling blades of beach grass, caught in the sunlight, create a study of curvaceous lines.
Curling Beach Grass in Sunlight   @FanningSparks
The gorgeous lines and patterns of wrought iron (see previous post Lines and Patterns in Wrought Iron) often cast lovely shadows.  This stunning railing was spotted in Nancy, France, a city known for its outstanding Art Nouveau structures and art.
Shadows of Wrought Iron Stair Railing   @FanningSparks
Sunlight can transform common elements, such as this café set, into the most uncommon vignettes.
Shadows of Café Table and Chair   @FanningSparks
Shadow of Café Chair   @FanningSparks
In this example, a parking garage railing creates a striking composition.
Shadow of Parking Garage Railing   @FanningSparks
Examples can also be found around the home.  Recently, I was struck by this beautiful shadow cast by sunlight on our living room walls.
Our Table Lamp Caught in Sunlight   @FanningSparks
This lamp has always been a favorite because of its unusual open base.  I added the beaded fringe to dress up the shade.  Together these elements combine to make a strikingly unique lamp.  But when the sunshine hit the lamp and cast those shadows on the wall, this interesting lamp became a work of art!
Our Table Lamp Caught in Sunlight Closeup   @FanningSparks

More Info

To learn more about Diane Landry and her Flying School (Ecole d’aviation) installation, check out her website.
Information about Lyla Rye and her Nomadic Architecture installation can be found on her website.
Check out a previous blog post Lines and Patterns in Wrought Iron.

Today’s Takeaways

1. Light and shadow can be used to create fascinating art installations.
2. Watch for intriguing displays of blocked light.
3. Consider ways to incorporate shadows into your home décor.
Peg - FanningSparks Author


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