spectra

spectra |spektr: plural form of spectrum
spectrum |spektrm: noun ( pl. -tra |-tr_|)

1. A band of colors, as seen in a rainbow, produced by separation of the components of light by their different degrees of refraction according to wavelength.
2. (the spectrum) the entire range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.
3. an image or distribution of components of any electromagnetic radiation arranged in a progressive series according to wavelength.
4. a similar image or distribution of components of sound, particles, etc., arranged according to such characteristics as frequency, charge, and energy
5. used to classify something, or suggest that it can be classified, in terms of its position on a scale between two extreme or opposite points: ‘the left or the right of the political spectrum’.
6. a wide range: ‘self-help books are covering a broader and broader spectrum’
7. ORIGIN early 17th cent.(in the sense [specter]): from Latin, literally ‘image, apparition,’ from specere ‘to look.’

spectra is a series of large scale installations employing intense white light as a sculptural material. The installations are designed in response to specific public sites selected by the artist. White light is one of the purest forms of transformation from electricity. We see a pure state of energy. Through these installations we witness how the pure transformation transforms the city itself.

White light includes the full colour spectrum. With the light-installation, the perceiver receives colour information into his/her eyes instantly and so intensely that he / she cannot see anything, just like in darkness. The installation therefore becomes almost invisible. Consequently, the art works provoke a feeling of something indescribable, something sublime and unearthly, something unforgettable.

spectra was first presented in June 2008 as spectra [amsterdam], transforming four sites: a pavilion in Vondelpark, a wall of the Van Gogh Museum, a water basin at the former industrial site Westergasfabrik and a 2.5 acre peninsula on Java Island. It was presented more recently in Paris, commissioned by the City for Nuit Blanche, the annual all-night arts festival (4-5 October 2008, 19:00 - 07:00).

Ikeda intends to continue the series through site-specific works commissioned for locations across the world.

Photos: (L) Alphons.net (R) Marc Domage

Related Links

spectra [amsterdam]
spectra [paris]

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