11201, 2015

11201, 2015

Acrylic, Plastic, LED light strips 

20x15x13 in

While I express my memory of light, the light becomes more than just an installation. Through this lighting project, I wanted to recreate my piece of childhood memory and share it with the audience. 

My light installation derived from the nighttime city view from Brooklyn Bridge. As a New Yorker, I always take Brooklyn Bridge for commuting purposes. It might have been regarded as a famous sight seeing place when I first took a walk to the bridge five years ago.

To me, the cityscape of Manhattan at that night impeccably struck my head. The dotted lights from the skyscrapers’ windows were shining like diamonds, and to me, the whole city seemed like a giant creature breathing, and sound asleep at night. The pitch-black sky over Manhattan skyline seemed like blanket wrapping the sleeping creature. It was ironic; Manhattan, the city that never sleeps, was upon me, like a sleeping creature. The more time I spent staring at the creature, more overwhelming I felt. It was even terrifying. But between the creature and me lay the Hudson River, and the bridges’ bars were protecting me.

Therefore I wanted to recreate the moment when I was first overwhelmed by the vast view of New York. It is my desire that the viewers who will see my installation might feel the same overwhelming experience. This work will serve as an abstract reinterpretation of modern day cityscape.

Using warm and cool led lights, I tried to express the viable and astounding feel of the work. The contrast of hot and cool temperature lights will represent the different dimensions of time and space. Plus, I have attached a double throw switch to encourage the viewers to interact with the piece.

Artwork displayed at IEC Competition, New York, 2013