By Jamie Kelleher
Online News Editor
Artist Helen Pashigian absorbs even the brightest of viewers at her newest Los Angleles County Museum of Art exhibit, “Light Invisible,” which consists of an almost entirely pitch-black room lit by a dozen acrylic luminescent pillars.
Although the exhibit does not leave much to the imagination, it succeeds in creating a unique atmosphere through its minimalistic tone. The final result may be too simple to meet its full potential; however, it still remains impressively intriguing.
The Southern California-based artist’s inspiration for the display stems from the “harsh, shimmering, white light that glints off cars and other metal surfaces” that she associates with Los Angeles. At first glance, viewers are intriuged by the simplicity of the exhibit and are invited to find a deeper significance of the art through individual interpretation.
Although the exhibit is aesthetically minimalistic, it still proves fascinating. This is due both to the entrancing and liberating darkness surrounding the pillars and the interactive nature of the piece, in which the shapes produced by the light are slightly altered at different angles.
Pashigian also succeeds in creating a surreal aura. The eerie silence and sparce, sharp spots of color lead to a futuristic atmosphere. In addition, there is a phenomenon of the light images repeating in one’s eyes after he or she looks away. Adding to the uniquely dystopian feel, this aspect of the exhibit successfully reflects the consumerist culture Pashigian is attempting to mirror throughout her work.
Even though the exhibit itself is provocative, the description of the art’s purpose posted in the entrance takes away from the intrigue. The piece could have been interpreted a variety of ways; however, the introduction stating the artist’s intentions hinders creative analysis.
“Light Invisible” is special as it is Pashigian’s first use of light in a work. The amateur quality of the lighting is easily balanced out by the intricately crafted acryllic cylinders.
The harmony of the experimental lighting and more structured pillars proves fascinating, and although the work did not fulfill all artitstic expectations, a visit to “Light Invisible” is still an interesting gateway into the world of modern art.
The exhibit is on display until June 29 at LACMA, with prices from $10 to $15.
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