Natural History of The Senses Relief Sculpture

 

Illuminature

Wood, net, silicone, fairy lights, gel medium

7" x 14.5" x 4.5"

Artist Statement

The sculpture explores the topic of bioluminescence found in nature. I am visually communicating ideas about bioluminescence found in deep sea jellyfish. A substance called luciferin is activated by the enzyme luciferase or by photoproteins to release an energy that emits light. This substance is found in every living organism that emits luminescence. Using a silicone gun, I spread the medium over top of the fairy lights and let it set. Wish this, I was able to create the gelatinous texture of jelly fish and have it radiate a luminous blue color. I displayed the netting over top of the wood to bring the viewers eye to each end of the piece. It is important to understand how something as incredible as glowing plants, animals, and bugs exist in nature. Jellyfish and photoproteins are used today in research for creating cures for diseases and scientists say that it may even bring them closer to being able to find a cure for cancer.

In Process

Inspiration

Frank Gehry

https://gagosian.com/exhibitions/2013/frank-gehry-fish-lamps-paris/

Hunter Cole

https://medinart.eu/works/hunter-cole/

Olafur Eliasson

https://olafureliasson.net/artwork/algae-window-2020/