“Microcosm” Sculpture
conceptual chair sculpture exploring the interplay between space & light
Concept Development & Art Direction, Sculpture, 3D Design
“conceptual chair” project for VISA 0130: Sculpture Foundations, with a focus on tactile & physical material exploration
project duration: 14 Days
Project Concept
The project prompt was to present a fresh point of view that seeks to challenge a chair’s somewhat benign role as a place to sit. At the time, I was also taking an Astronomy course, so I was interested in exploring the role of light in relation to space: a chair’s role is not only impacted by what it does, but also the environment it’s in.
By incorporating found objects and a single source of light, I was able to conceptualize, ideate, and create an immersive space that, on the surface, seems simple, but, in reality, hides layers that contribute to the overall contemplative feeling.
Ideation & Iteration Process
With an initial idea of space (in multiple respects) and light, I brainstormed ways to interweave the two. The photos below are some process shots exploring the redirecting of light incorporating a crystal (refraction) and mirrors (reflection). I later built a stand for this mirror out of scrap wood, adding to the simplicity of the space while maximizing the spread of light.
The Details
The Chair
With the concept of “space” in mind, I found a broken chair in the basement of Brown’s art building. By taking it apart, I dismantled its original purpose; from a seat, it became a rocket, a satellite, and a universe.
The Environment
The chosen space is highly air-conditioned: the chill makes guests physically aware of the environment. This sense of feeling cold adds to the emphasis on reflection and suggests impeding danger and mystery.
The Light
Neatly hidden, a single source of light illuminates the whole space. By deemphasizing where the light was coming from, I highlighted the fact that it was simply there. The sculpture is the light.
The Materials
The chair and the mirrors are held up by simply-put-together, raw wood. The lack of treatment emphasizes the space’s bareness, shifting the focus away from what the sculpture is, to how it feels.
The Reflection & Refraction
Like a clear prism refracts light into tiny rainbows, the universe refracts life into tiny humans. Through the various modes of “passing through” via mirrors and crystal, the light spreads to create the space.
The Interactivity
The sculpture and its parts are adaptable and moldable to not only different physical spaces, but also to the individual guests. Even when the focus is not about the seat, the chair still functions as one.
Small Space, but a Whole World
how this project is experienced, in layers.
“Microcosm” is a small snippet of a story.
When you first walk into the space, you’re met with the only object illuminated within an envelope of complete darkness: a chair that’s mounted on the wall. It’s highlighted by the fact that it’s white.
You then notice small rainbows surrounding the white chair, scattered across the corner of the environment. Curious, you notice where it’s coming from: a clear crystal dangling from a shiny metal object on the adjacent wall. A realization comes to you: it’s the legs of the chair that you first saw.
The mirrors are the next thing you notice. There are three: a rectangular one sitting on the chair, a standing one right in front of it, and a small round one propped up by a wooden pedestal. You see the light reflected from it, and you almost look to see where it’s coming from. You can’t see your own reflection, but it’s clear that you’re not supposed to.
You wonder what you’re doing in this space. Do you belong? Why is the air suddenly so cold?