Art Review City
Exploring Light and Essence: The Luminescence of Grimanesa Amorós
Grimanesa Amorós, a luminary within the artistic realm, has enraptured audiences with her profound and contemplative light installations. Drawing upon her formidable background in painting and her unyielding passion for materials, she has transcended the boundaries of her medium, fashioning immersive experiences that provoke introspection and challenge the perceptual confines of our world. This evocative exposition embarks on a profound odyssey into the labyrinthine recesses of the artist’s inspiration, techniques, career highlights, and forthcoming projects, illuminating the extraordinary artistic ethos that defines her.
Born in Lima, Peru, in 1962 and living in New York City since 1984, Amorós is known for her large-scale light sculpture installations. She began her artistic career as a painter and studied at the Miguel Gayo Art Atelier in Lima and the Art Students League of New York. In the early 2000s, she began to incorporate light into her work. She was greatly inspired by the northern lights she saw during a trip to Iceland. Fully understanding the potential of light to create immersive and transformative experiences, the artist set on a newfound path.
She has exhibited her work in major cities worldwide, including New York, London, Paris, and Beijing. Amorós’ work has been praised for its beauty, thoughtfulness, and ability to create a sense of wonder. She has been awarded numerous prizes, including the National Endowment for the Arts Visual Artist Fellowship and the Art in Embassies Program of the U.S. Amorós’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and her work is a testament to the power of art to transform our lives. Her light sculptures are more than just beautiful objects; they are also invitations to introspection and reflection. They challenge us to see the world in new ways and to connect with our shared humanity.
Amorós’ installations are often site-specific, meaning they are created specifically for a particular location. They directly interact with the architecture of the surrounding environment and anticipate how the spectator will approach and interact with the piece, which plays a significant role in the creative process, production, and physical execution of the work. A prime example is the 2021 work Golden Array installed in Mumbai, India. The massive 210 ft x 25 ft x 70 ft | 64 x 8 x 21 m work is comprised of LEDs, diffusive and reflective materials to interplay with the light emanating from the LEDs. It features a custom-created lighting sequence that captivates the viewers with its dynamic interplay of color, movement, and emotion. The artist described the inspiration for this particular work as from her journeys through India, where she noticed the vast array of cables throughout the landscape, where wires upon wires became thick, knotted, and unknowable paths, tangled but still wholly functional in connecting the world. For Amorós, this work fully encapsulated the integral and ancient connections, combining people and exchanging language and ideas. The installation fully embraces the notion of communication, while the site-specific design, self reflects back to the conception of the idea and projects the same thoughts that the artist had about the cables sprawled across the country, right back to the minds of the viewer self-reflecting while viewing the LED work itself.
Delving a bit deeper into Amorós’ creative process, we find that her artistic influences are as diverse as her body of work. Her creations are often inspired by Peruvian cultural legacies, in addition to the communities surrounding her sculptures. Despite not finishing university, she dedicated herself to extensive self-education by spending lots of time at The Metropolitan Museum of Art studying the works and memorizing the information on the wall tags. She spent hours and hours in the library reading everything she could. Pre-Columbian and African art, in particular, wove an enchanting spell around her, kindling an unwavering devotion to exploring the enigmatic concepts of unity and interconnectedness. She also pondered the potential confluence of cultures and ideas that could have been shared in the Pangea-era if humans had existed at that moment in time. For Amorós, these influences inspired her as many of the cultural legacies here thought about a lot more behind merely the physical realm.
As early as 11 years old, she was curious about materials and the world around her. Her father was an engineer, and she grew to understand that the process to evolve and learn never ends and that by putting thought and effort into everything she does, especially her art, she can make the most impact on the world around her. Being an avid traveler, she has also been able to see and understand cultures and creativity more. When spending many months in Brazil studying and drawing maps or visiting the mountains in Lake Titicaca in Peru, she could intuitively learn about organic shapes and forms and discover herself. Her philosophy about life became balance, which she views as another word for happiness. Finding oneself in a good place keeps life exciting and makes one wake up happy and celebrate life. With this worldview, she says she has been blessed with almost infinite energy and doesn’t feel the mental weight that others do. This philosophy, and the freedom her collectors and sponsors give her, allow her to live life to the fullest while observing the world’s light. Her artistic path is a way of living, with life and art being the same whole.
Her love for painting is also evident in her works, as she pays homage to her favorite painters, such as Titian, Manet, Courbet, and Matisse. Having started her artistic journey in painting around 11 years of age, Amorós’s obsession with the medium and her desire to push its boundaries led her to explore other avenues. After spending 14 hours in the studio painting daily for years, she felt she had taken painting as far as she could and wasn’t finding it challenging anymore. Ensnared by the claustrophobic confines of her modest studio, she had no longer discovered solace and inspiration in the continual honing of her painting skills, as that venerable medium could no longer satiate her voracious appetite for innovation. Thankfully for her, the magnetic draw she felt to Africa was fulfilled with a National Endowment for the Arts grant, which provided her the opportunity to venture to the continent, where she immersed herself in the local culture and began experimenting with handmade paper–Abaca and cotton paper experiments–and quickly took that as far as she could. Drawing from this vast pantheon of two-dimensional influences, Amorós’s artistic repertoire would begin to radiate with captivating energy and an ethereal aura that bridges the chasms of time, lending her work a timeless quality.
Amorós’s traveled to Iceland in 2001 and was captivated by the raw visual power of seeing the aurora borealis. That was the moment when she started working exclusively with light. LEDs were still expensive, so her first foray into the concept was working with theater lighting. This was the pivotal moment toward entering her mature artistic phase. The artist’s meticulous research and attention to detail allowed her to create mesmerizing lighting sequences, ensuring each viewer experienced a unique encounter. Her light-based work is often described as “spiritual” or “meditative.” Her use of light and shadow creates a sense of atmosphere and mystery, inviting the viewer to slow down and contemplate the work. She is also known for using organic materials like paper, wood, and fabric. These materials give her work a tactile quality that further enhances the viewer’s experience.
Her light sculptures explore the relationship between light, technology, and the human spirit. Her “Luminous Portraits” series is a particularly striking example of her work, as it combines her signature use of light with her interest in her cultural heritage, as the series was inspired by Amorós’s childhood memories of the Incan sun ceremonies. The body of work intertwines the forward-looking changes in American society with her Peruvian heritage as she merges vibrant colors, geometric designs from Pre-Columbian art, and futuristic elements to create a dynamic visual language that prompts viewers to contemplate the impact of tradition on our future. Through this amalgamation, Amorós embraces her cultural roots while embracing groundbreaking innovations, presenting a world that is deeply rooted in heritage yet open to new possibilities, ultimately exploring the influence of tradition on our collective future.
Each LUMINOUS PORTRAIT is comprised of a complex system of LED lights. The result is a glowing, ethereal portrait floating in space. The programming of the light sequences is one of the most essential aspects of Amorós’s work. Irrespective of the dimensions of her artwork, viewers are instantly captivated by the intricately choreographed programming and the meticulously orchestrated sequences of light, conceived in tandem with local accomplished engineering teams. The conundrum of power supply and the multifarious wellsprings of inspiration that inform her diverse subjects contribute to the profound complexity and captivating richness that define her oeuvre. Her sequences are carefully choreographed to create a sense of movement and energy, often collaborating with composers and musicians to present a more musical feel to the finished work. The sequences in the portraits are also often synchronized with the natural rhythms of the day and night. The result is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging work of art. Amorós’s steadfast dedication to her craft radiates palpably as she continuously strives to create a balance between the sense of the body and the scale of the artwork, captivating passersby with even the briefest encounters.
In addition to the technical aspects of her work, Amorós is also profoundly interested in the symbolic meaning of light. She sees light as a metaphor for hope, transformation, and the human spirit. She says, “Light is a powerful force that can transform our lives. It can illuminate our darkest moments and guide us through our journey.” Her LUMINOUS PORTRAITS works are a testament to the power of light to evoke beauty, emotion, and meaning. They are works of art that will continue to inspire and amaze viewers for years to come.
Amorós’s captivating light installations seem to share a resemblance to the mesmerizing artistry of slow-motion photography, reminiscent of the pioneering work of Eadweard Muybridge. Just as Muybridge’s sequential photographs captured the intricacies and fluidity of motion, Amorós’s installations freeze ephemeral moments in time, allowing viewers to witness the ethereal interplay of light and movement. Similar to Muybridge’s exploration of human and animal locomotion, Amorós delves into the essence of movement, utilizing light as her medium to evoke a sense of dynamism and transformation. Through her meticulous choreography of light sequences, she presents viewers with a unique perspective on the fluidity and beauty of motion, inviting them to contemplate the transient nature of existence. The work can also be seen as a form of meditation on the ephemeral nature of reality. Her light installations often depict fleeting moments of beauty and grace, reminding us of life’s impermanence. However, her work also offers hope, suggesting that even the most transient moments can be captured and preserved. Amorós’s work provides a moment of peace and reflection in an increasingly fast-paced and chaotic world. Her light installations invite us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the world around us. They also remind us that even the most fleeting moments can be meaningful and memorable.
Amorós’s artistic voyage has been sculpted by a network of recommendations and whispered commendations, a testament to her boundless talent and unwavering dedication. She has diligently earned her laurels, forging collaborations with an array of entities, including municipal bodies, museums, governmental institutions, and discerning collectors. The artist ardently embraces the collaborative process, cherishing the unbridled freedom it affords her in her quest for artistic transcendence. She finds solace and inspiration within the expanse of grand museums and cultural institutions, endeavoring to construct ambitious works of colossal scale that spark profound ruminations and forge indelible connections with the public. Her installations are often immersive and interactive, inviting viewers to step inside her fantastical worlds and experience them through all their senses. Thus, she embarks upon arduous and exhaustive developmental and research endeavors to realize her artistic vision.
Another element that sets Amorós’s work apart is how she uses light to create a sense of depth and movement. Her subjects appear suspended in a timeless void, their features illuminated by a soft, diffused light that seems to emanate from within. This creates a sense of otherworldliness that is both mesmerizing and unsettling. Characterized by their bold use of color, playful juxtaposition of different materials, and exploration of the intersection between art and technology, the works are unlike any artist. She is a master of creating visually arresting and thought-provoking works that challenge our perceptions of the world around us. In recent years, Amorós has increasingly turned her attention to the theme of environmentalism, identity, memory, and community. Her work often addresses the impact of human activity on the natural world, and she uses her art to raise awareness of the need for sustainability. She is a true visionary, and her artistic process is a testament to her passion and commitment to her craft.
A prime example is AMPLEXUS, an immersive light sculpture installation in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, meaning “embrace” in Latin, beautifully capturing the essence of the city’s global identity. The piece harmoniously connects Riyadh’s historical and contemporary architecture, the city’s evolving future, nature, and the digital world. Inspired by traditional Islamic architecture, the installation reinterprets it in a modern digital context while also paying tribute to Riyadh’s rich cultural heritage and community. The sculpture, located in the Cultural Palace, features a lighting sequence that evokes desert sunrises and sunsets, symbolizing the city’s connection to its natural surroundings. Viewers are enveloped within their cultural roots and environment, celebrating the collective consciousness that built Riyadh and the untamed magic of the surrounding desert.
In the realm of immersive art installations, the evocative works of Chiharu Shiota resonate with Amorós’s luminous creations. Like Shiota, Amorós weaves intricate narratives through her structures, employing the power of materials and spatial arrangements to evoke profound emotions and introspection. While Shiota’s webs of thread symbolize the interconnectedness of memories and human experiences, Amorós’s light installations transcend physical boundaries to delve into the realms of perception and consciousness. Both artists create immersive environments that envelop viewers, inviting them to explore the depths of their psyche and contemplate the interplay between light, space, and the human condition. By engaging the senses and triggering profound contemplation, Amorós and Shiota forge a profound connection with their audiences, leaving a lasting impression long after the experience.
The power of light has long been a source of fascination for artists, from the Renaissance masters who used it to create dramatic chiaroscuro effects to the modern photographers who have captured the beauty of light in all its forms. In the hands of the artist Amorós, light becomes a medium for creating stunning environments that are both ethereal and deeply moving. Amorós’s works are created using a complex process that involves carefully layering translucent materials and programming them to interact with light in specific ways. The result is a series of images that seem to glow from within, capturing the essence of her subjects in a haunting and beautiful way.
One of the things that makes Amorós’s installations so compelling is apart is the light itself. Her installations are often bathed in a warm, golden glow that gives them a dreamlike quality. However, she subtly uses color to create a sense of mood or atmosphere. For example, in her installation SCIENTIA, Latin for knowledge or science, she proves a master of understanding, awareness, and expertise gained through the study of light, as well as of the architecture in situ in Bilbao, Spain. To create large-scale sculptures, the artist must understand how the environment affects our state of mind. This site-specific light sculpture engages visitors in a dialogue with existing architecture and the community. Therefore, the work encourages moments of realization while creating universal connections through light. The piece provides a means of accessing our emotional selves by exploring human connection using our elemental understanding of the world—fire, water, earth, and light. Thus, Amorós’s luminous work also nurtures one’s mental well-being.
Amorós’s artistic philosophy is rooted in her belief in the power of art to transform lives. She sees her work as a way to connect with people from all walks of life, and she believes that art can help us to see the world in new and unexpected ways. As a firm believer in the importance of individuality, she believes that every artist has a unique voice, and she encourages other artists to be themselves and follow their path. Amorós’s work is a testament to her belief in individuality and feels that art should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or education. Her sculptures are often unconventional, challenging traditional notions of beauty, even when compared to her contemporaries working in similar manners. However, they are also more compelling than many artists working today.
Amorós’s transformative installations can also be likened to the concept of 4D environments, where the fourth dimension is time. Just as 4D environments aim to create immersive experiences that extend beyond the physical realm, Amorós’s light installations transport viewers into a realm where time becomes fluid, and perception is altered. Amorós creates an ever-changing environment that evolves over time through the choreographed interplay of light, engaging viewers in a multisensory experience that transcends traditional notions of space and time. In this dynamic interplay between light, space, and the viewer’s perception, Amorós introduces a temporal element that adds depth and complexity to her installations, captivating audiences and challenging their preconceived notions of reality.
For example, her installation “CETHA” at the Palazzo Colesanti, Viterbo, Italy, illuminates the palace with ever-changing light patterns. As visitors walk along the steep walkway in this enchanting Etruscan city, they experience a constantly shifting environment that seems to defy the laws of physics. The light appears to move and flow around them, creating the illusion that they are moving through time and space. In this way, Amorós’s installations can be seen as a form of time travel. They allow viewers to experience different moments in time or even different possible futures and how our perception of both can be altered through light. This can be a powerful and transformative experience, as it can help viewers see the world in a new light. This can be a very engaging and immersive experience, allowing viewers to feel part of the work.
Amorós’s artistic vision also draws inspiration from stage settings, where lighting is crucial in creating immersive and transformative experiences. Much like a theatrical production, Amorós orchestrates the interplay of light and shadow to set the stage for her installations, manipulating the atmosphere and mood to evoke specific emotions and narratives. Just as stage settings serve as a backdrop for storytelling, Amorós’s installations provide a canvas upon which viewers can immerse themselves in a rich narrative of light and perception. Her meticulous attention to detail and ability to create evocative atmospheres reflect the influence of stage settings as she crafts immersive environments that blur the boundaries between reality and artifice, inviting viewers to become active participants in the unfolding narrative of her work. Clearly, her early mastery of using stage lighting comes from a deep understanding of theatrics themselves.
Amorós is a true innovator pushing the boundaries of what is possible in art. Her work is visually stunning and thought-provoking, and it has the power to connect people from all walks of life. She is a rising star in the art world, and her work is sure to continue to inspire and amaze for years to come.
Throughout her illustrious career, Amorós has been buoyed by an array of defining moments, each casting an indelible imprint upon the trajectory of her artistic voyage. From her first major exhibition in New York City to the collaborations with architects and mayors in various locations worldwide, each opportunity has contributed to her growth as an artist. Notable milestones in her creative journey encompass awe-inspiring installations in the captivating realm of Saudi Arabia, fruitful liaisons with the City of New York, and revered partnerships with renowned fashion luminaries. Eagerly anticipated projects beckon on the horizon, beckoning her to iconic destinations such as Paris, Mexico City, Hong Kong, and Miami, and collaborations with top British and Parisian fashion and perfume brands. Future projects include solo exhibitions, a significant public art installation in Paris, and collaborating with a private collector to create a new public art space. Amorós’s ability to navigate both the artistic and business aspects of her work has led to fruitful relationships with collectors and curators who appreciate her dedication and trust her creative vision.
Amorós’s artistic journey has been one of continuous evolution, exploration, and dedication. From her roots in painting to her mastery of light installations, she has carved a unique path in the art world. Her thought-provoking works and myriad collaborations with an array of entities bear witness to her innate ability to captivate viewers, inviting them to partake in deeply meaningful and immersive experiences. With her boundless creativity poised on the cusp of an eagerly awaited future, Amorós continues to push the boundaries of her craft, leaving audiences on tenterhooks, their collective breaths bated in anticipation of the ethereal marvels she shall unfurl upon the canvas of the world. The work is often described as “ethereal” and “magical,” and it is easy to see why. Her use of light and shadow creates a sense of wonder and mystery, and her installations often have a transformative effect on the spaces they inhabit. In her hands, light is not simply a source of illumination but a medium for exploring the human condition. It is universal in its appeal to the art and technology worlds and the public, which is extremely rare in today’s ever-changing art market.
With her boundless creativity poised on the cusp of an eagerly awaited future, Amorós will continue pushing her craft’s boundaries. Her work will continue to challenge and mesmerize audiences for years to come.
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