the weight of light
On view Nov. 6–15
In Theory Art Studio | Huntsville, Utah
the weight of light is a frozen moment of electrical energy in the form of an iridescent, crystalline lightning bolt, surrounded by eight lightning shards. It’s an arc between the shadows of how we currently power our world and the brilliance of how we might transform it. The artwork is activated by pressing buttons on each shard. In the daytime, the weight of light will have a resting state of color-changing LEDs and ethereal music from composer Kevin MacLeod. By night, LEDs slowly pulse with a resting kinetic energy, and when activated by participants, the piece erupts with a massive, vertical lightning strike of white light, accompanied by the crack of thunder.
Made from steel, upcycled dichroic panels, and interactive LEDs, the weight of light is a 14-foot-tall dichroic bolt with eight fallen lightning shards, each containing an interactive micro-world that follows the journey of a young Ari as she discovers our collective power to reimagine a future of climate hope and environmental regeneration. The thunder sounds were recorded live by prolific thunder chaser Matt Mikellson. The audio and LEDs are integrated and follow a journey through a series of weather states: earth, wind, fire, water, and space.
About In Theory Art Studios
In Theory Art Studios is the studio of artist Emily Nicolosi. She has exhibited her works across the United States at festivals, cultural gatherings, museums, and public spaces from Los Angeles and Salt Lake City to Houston and Miami. In Theory Art Studios is the recipient of several awards and grants, including The Land Art Generator Initiative, Salt Lake City Arts Council, and Burning Man’s Honoraria Grant Program. Nicolosi is a painter, sculptor, and public artist. She was formally trained in studio art at the University of Vermont and later earned her doctorate in geography from the University of Utah. Today, she pursues her interest in the intersection of humanity, place, and environment through the sculptures she designs for In Theory Art Studio. Visit InTheoryArtStudios.com.
Instagram: @In_Theory_Art
Website: InTheoryArtStudios.com
Image #2 is an artist rendering.