Throughout her career, Peruvian-born American artist Grimanesa Amorós has harnessed the medium of light to create immersive monumental sculptures that engage visitors in contemplation of their cultural heritage, community, and relationship to technology. In the art of Amorós, the past is meeting the future.
Her childhood fascination with light began on the shores of her homeland in Lima. The tumultuous waters of the immense pacific ocean would create iridescent sculptural foam. Amorós sites watching bubbles deflate and inflate, as if breathing, for the formal decisions in her later work.
Describing her work as a “constant romance with the unknown”, Amorós first incorporated light into her practice following a fated trip to Iceland. While there, she saw the northern lights and realized the powerful ephemeral magic light held. She discusses light’s ability to transcend social and geographic boundaries “we all connect to light.”
Drawing upon critical cultural legacies and landscapes, Amorós is inspired by the communities she creates within. Installing and programming each piece on-site, direct interaction with the surrounding architecture is key to creating her work. “Ultimately, the piece connects the viewers, space, and light sculpture, merging them into one.”
Amorós has exhibited in the United States, Europe, Asia, Middle East, and Latin America. She was a guest speaker at TEDGlobal 2014, a recipient of the ‘NEA Visual Arts Grants Fellowships 1993 ’, and has the distinction of being part of the ‘Art In Embassies Program of the U.S.’ and the Civita Institute NE Chapter Fellowship Grant.
Bio source https: www.grimanesaamoros.com/light-sculpture-artist-biography
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.
