Still Light

STILL LIGHT

Location: Cushing Gallery (Newport Art Association), Newport, RI

Year: 1981

Dimensions: 19′ x 24′ x 24′

Materials: Black and white marble blocks, 0.75” H x 1.75” W x 4” D (1.9 H x 4.4 W x 10.2 D cm.), 5000 round white elastic threads in tension, Steel brackets, Lexan Panel

Within a fully sky lit, classical nineteenth century gallery, five thousand taut threads descended from a central point above to a square outline below, creating an equilateral pyramid of light. The geometric form, measured by a staccato, alternating black and white base of marble blocks, appeared to be constructed by rays of light that defined elusive gossamer planes subject to the movement of clouds and the inevitable sun cycle.

Still Light evolved from a fascination with the intangibility of changing light and the fragility of our constantly mutable, fluctuating perception. The delicacy and precision of the work was contrasted with the boldness of its geometry within the solidity of the gallery’s architectural space.