Oculus

Light sculpture, 44" x 48".

This complex light sculpture depicts a colossal abstracted drosophila eye—replete with compound faceted surfaces—that is inspired in part by a series of scanning electron micrographs I produced in a transgenic lab several years ago. Its recalls the circular opening at the apex of a cupola and also alludes to a surveillance device, or drone hovering in mid-air. Oculus invites us to ponder the impact of the gargantuan and the miniature on our perception of bodily presence and scale. This work explores those sensory modalities that play a dominant role in spatial perception and triggers the affect of scale on several fronts. Ultimately, Oculus strategically triggers an affective encounter with the colossally represented miniscule, offering a fantastic voyage that navigates spatial, temporal, and phenomenal worlds.

Digital Modeling by Nathaniel Elberfeld and Alex Waller, Metron Designworks; and Sung Ho Kim, Axi:Ome.