Grimanesa Amorós
Peruvian-born American artist Grimanesa Amorós crafts monumental light sculptures that invite reflection on cultural heritage, communal bonds, and the interplay of humanity with technology. Seamlessly merging the past with the future, Amorós’s works serve as luminous bridges between tradition and innovation.
Her fascination with light traces back to her childhood in Lima, where the vast Pacific Ocean sculpted iridescent foams that breathed with life. These ephemeral forms inspired the dynamic essence of her creations, mirroring the rhythms of nature and humanity.
Amorós describes her practice as a “constant romance with the unknown,” a sentiment ignited during a pivotal journey to Iceland. Witnessing the northern lights revealed to her the universal and transcendent power of light. “We all connect to light,” she states, underscoring its capacity to dissolve boundaries and unite people across diverse geographies and cultures.
Her site-specific installations are deeply informed by their surrounding environments. Amorós personally programs and installs each work, forging a harmonious dialogue between the sculpture, its architectural setting, and the audience. “Ultimately, the piece connects the viewers, space, and light sculpture, merging them into one,” she explains, emphasizing her art’s transformative and integrative nature.
Amorós’s work has been showcased globally, with exhibitions across the United States, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. She has delivered a TEDGlobal talk, received the prestigious NEA Visual Arts Fellowship, and contributed to the U.S. Art in Embassies program. Additionally, she holds the Civita Institute NE Chapter Fellowship, further cementing her role as a luminary in contemporary art.
Interview
Artist: Grimanesa Amorós
By Carol Real
Who have been the teachers or important people who have inspired your passion as an artist?
My mother is my inspiration. I have always listened to her advice. Because of her love, support, and encouragement, I found my calling as an artist. She is also why I took art classes at a young age; she recognized my love for drawing maps.
When did you decide to focus on lighting design?
I am not a designer but a multimedia creative and perceptual engineer. I am an artist that uses light as a medium, not a light artist. As creators, we express ourselves in many different avenues; light is how I best express myself.
I was lucky enough to see the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, and it was breathtaking. I could not stop saying, “wow.” I had my camera with me, and I could have become occupied with getting the right shot and angle, but I decided to put my camera down and live the moment. I thought, “if only I could share this with others, wouldn’t that be amazing?”
This Icelandic experience fascinated me and sparked my adventure and relationship with light. I began figuring out how to encapsulate the transient part of light into my work, experimenting with materials to emulate the light that left an extensive impression on me. I love light because it is not physical—we cannot own or have i —it is ephemeral.
ARGENTUM
Date: 2018
Media: LEDs, diffusion and reflective material, custom lighting sequence, electrical hardware. stainless steel.
Location: 80 White St. New York, NY
Dimensions: 9 ft x 5 ft 4 in x 5 ft 4 in
What is your creative process, and what aspects must be considered to use such a complex technique?
This is dependent on the project. I first learn about the location and historical background when it is site-specific. I am fascinated by how the past affects the future. Then, I begin with initial sketches and renderings.
What is the most frequent obstacle you face?
My philosophy is simple; everything is possible until things go “kaput.” It is a
matter of perspective and mental attitude.
AMPLEXUS
Media: LEDs, diffusive and reflective material, custom light sequence, and electrical hardware Dimensions: (L x W x H): 85ft ft x 85 ft x 32 ft (26 m x 26 m x 10 m)
Commissioned by: Noor Riyadh / Noor Art
Location: Cultural Palace, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 2022.
Can you describe a typical day in your life? What do you like to do when you are not creating?
Plants, flowers, and trees all have tremendous energy. I like to tend to my garden in my spare time and recharge with the flora. To prune them and give them form it’s very calming. I often travel, so working with my plants lets me slow down.
I am also a movie and film lover—the cinematography, plot, and costume design inspire me. My favorite film is The Piano by Jane Campion; it has many layers that make you think beyond what you assume. These are my favorite types of films.
What would be your creative dream? If you could collaborate with other artists, who would they be?
I plan to focus on immersive experiences beyond visual, tactile, and audio elements. I’m interested in the collaborative process of working with others. It’s another way of learning and growing as a human being. Collaboration is working together without losing the essence of yourself and finding the balance between two entities. Creating an opera piece would be fantastic—with Lizzo singing, a perfect pair! I love her music and its focus on self-empowerment.
AZURE
Date: 2021
Media: LEDs, diffusion and reflective material, custom lighting sequence, electrical hardware. stainless steel.
Location: UES New York, NY
What do you like people to feel when they see your work?
Everyone interprets my art differently, which is the beauty of creation. With each piece, I aim to push your boundaries of thought or inquiry. As an artist, I have a few seconds to capture your awareness, and if I can make you stop and reflect, then I have done my job—to push you to think more creatively.
Where in the world would you like to do a mega installation?
Milan in the Teatro alla Scala.
What is your favorite phrase?
I live in “Romance with the Unknown.”
GOLDEN ARRAY
Date: 2021
Media: LEDs, diffusive and reflective material, custom lighting sequence, electrical hardware
Location: Mumbai India
Dimensions: 210 ft x 25 ft x 70 ft
SCEINTIA
Date: 2022
Media: LEDs, diffusive and reflective material, custom light sequence, and electrical hardware
Dimensions: 60ftx35ftx25ft (18.3mx10.7mx6m)
Location: Bilbao, Spain
Commissioned by: Azkuna Zentroa Alhóndiga Bilbao | The Wellbeing Summit.
