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.
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.
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.”
The structure was interesting but it was the intricate web of lines and shadows I found most intriguing.
Shadows can also be used for dramatic lighting displays. Below is a beautiful sculpted wall from a hotel lobby in Madrid, Spain.
Here is a closer look at the striking rectangular arrangement.
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.
Here curling blades of beach grass, caught in the sunlight, create a study of curvaceous lines.
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.
Sunlight can transform common elements, such as this café set, into the most uncommon vignettes.
In this example, a parking garage railing creates a striking composition.
Examples can also be found around the home. Recently, I was struck by this beautiful shadow cast by sunlight on our living room walls.
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!
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.
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