2012 Exhibition
1. Contour1
Contour1 is an exploration of the complexities of reflective light on all scales. Using almost 600 mylar balloons as mini reflectors, each balloon will rotate, rise and fall independently from each other yet as a community in a unified mass of similar forms. Deliberate uplighting and contributing light from the surrounding buildings will amplify the movement of the individual contours. Each sculpture on the grounds will be enveloped by the balloon mass, and accentuated with various lighting techniques to emphasis structure, and shadow. The existing lighting along the pathway contours will be outfitted with strands of reflectors, vulnerable to even the most subtle breeze, to cast streaks of light at a guest’s feet. By leaving much of the patterns of light throughout, to be described by nature and chance, each observer will experience the installation in a unique way.
The cylindrical tower of the Kresge building will be rendered by striations of light that mimic the patterns of light throughout the installation, but on a much larger scale. This element, seen from a significant distance, serves as an invitation to discover all the nuances of the rest of the installation up close.
Artist Information
Brienne Willcock
Brienne Willcock is also a professional lighting designer. She has a background in the development of a range of art and design skills, the culmination of which led her to a rewarding role on the Illuminart team. Though relatively new to the profession, and in part thanks to project partner Robert White, she has developed a love of lighting so quickly- it even surprises her. She also exhibits personal artwork in galleries and shows. Brienne’s first Bachelor’s degree is in Art – Drawing, and her second, is in Interior Design both from Eastern Michigan University.
Robert White
Robert White is a Principal Lighting Designer at Illuminart of Ypsilanti. White’s diverse architectural lighting design career has earned him over 25 awards of recognition including an IIDA Edwin F. Guth Award of Distinction for the McNamara Passenger Tunnel. Projects he’s played a key design role in, have also been featured in top industry publications like Lighting Dimensions, LD&A, Architectural Lighting, Metropolis, Mondo, and Illuminator. Robert is adjunct faculty for The College for Creative Studies and lectures at Lawrence Technological Institute, Eastern Michigan University, as well as for the IESNA. He has a BFA in Interior Design from College of Creative Studies.