A Fractured Lens, 2020
Salvaged Snack Bag waste, LED Lights, Steel, Wood
Dimensions: 90” W x 90” W x 26” H
2020 Three Rivers Arts Festival, Juried Exhibition, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh, PA
The sculpture’s surface is an assembled layer of several thousands of discarded mylar snack bags and coffee pouches that have been attentively collected, cleaned, cut, and sculpted. This material is widely used for food packaging, but is not biodegradable nor recyclable.
The overall shape is a proportionate representation of a spherical cap recalling images of convex lenses, planets, and land mounds. The scale of the piece speaks to the magnitude of consumer waste and asks the viewer to consider the artist's process.
The colorful light emitted from 7 LED lamps installed on the base within the sculpture permeate the “skin” and reflect off the metallic surfaces creating an effect that resembles molten lava or Aurora Borealis. The piece can be viewed under normal indoor lighting conditions, but the LED effects are enhanced in dim lighting. As a secondary impact, the light reflecting on surrounding walls creates an immersive experience.
The sculpture is intended to rest on the floor with viewing access from around the perimeter. The lighting component requires one 3-prong power outlet. For ease of transport and install, the sculpture can be broken down into two parts to clear a standard doorway and is on casters that can lock into a stationary position.