PRISM: Winter Lights at Woodruff Park
Woodruff Park - Atlanta GA
December 5, 2020 - january 31, 2021
A 2-month art exhibition exploring the theme of water. Featuring three light-based landmark sculptures installed on the park’s main lawn as well as a projection mapping effort showcasing animated artwork by local artists on the park’s International Peace Fountain water wall, piloted by Arts & Entertainment Atlanta.
Featured Artists: Amelia Carley, Ellex Swavoni, Jason Sweet, Joseph Peragine, Kris Pilcher, MaDora Frey, & NNEKKAA
Exhibition Guide
Main lawn
Arctic Fire
MaDora Frey (@madorafrey)
Steel, Polycarbonate, Mirror, LED lights, Glass
"Arctic Fire" appears as an enchanting, enigmatic beacon for park visitors on cold winter nights. A large pyramid with a fire burning atop evokes alchemy and the endurance of an eternal flame. The sculpture invites viewers to walk beneath, gaze up into the mesmerizing belly of the fire, and share a sense of wonder.
Photo by Brock Scott
Bear Off
Jason Sweet (@jasonsweetartist)
Welded Steel, Canoes, Enamel Paint, LED lights
The title of the work “Bear Off” is a term used in canoeing to push off or away from an object and/or obstruction. Through form, composition, and design, the intent of the work is to personify Atlanta’s ever-expanding narrative of its diverse communities and discovering ways to navigate through its own obstructions. Whether these communities are compounded collectively or individually, and at times contrary, their narratives, affect one another. Though complex there is beauty to be discovered in Atlanta’s story.
Photo by Brock Scott
Atlantis Rising
Ellex Swavoni (@ellex_swavoni)
Foam, Polyurethane, and Steel
The Afro-futuristic monument “Atlantis Rising” is inspired by the lost city of Atlantis. The shifting colors and design mirror iridescent, deep-sea creatures such as rainbow squid and comic book characters like Galactus. The mighty emerging of the robotic giant conveys power, mystery, and loom as if powerful forces are at play beneath our feet.
Photo by Brock Scott
International Peace water wall
Liquid Light
Kris Pilcher (@krispatl)
“Liquid light” is a generative installation that explores the entanglement of photons traveling at 300,000 km/s with the slow undulation of H20 molecules to create a quantum state of water and light, both essential to the creation and sustainment of life. This is a celebration of our existence inspired by the works of the other artists on display.
Photo by Brock Scott
Memories of Indeterminate Forms
Amelia Carley (@ameliacarley)
“Memories of Indeterminate Forms” is a collaborative work made by Amelia Carley and Kris Pilcher. Utilizing an image of a painting made by Carley that features a dripped sand mountain, Pilcher animated the image to create the sense of a melting form while playing off the colorful surfaces. This undulating landscape recalls vague and embellished memories of past experiences.
Photo by David Batterman
Wade
NNEKKA (@nnekkaa_)
There’s so much to be said about water. It gives and gives. Adapting and transforming. Sometimes it harms sometimes it helps. But we always seemed to be called back to it. To wade in it once again.
Photo by David Batterman
Untitled (Blue Ear)
Joseph Peragine (@joeperagine)
From an exhibition titled After the Hunt at Marcia Wood Gallery, Blue Ear depicts a lone rabbit hidden behind lush vegetation and dew drops. The series as a whole explored a number of ways that we seek both dominion and redemption in our depictions of nature. This particular painting, appropriately for this moment, captures a sense of safety in isolation.
Photo by David Batterman
PRESS
‘PRISM: Winter Lights’ Returns To Woodruff Park With Light And Water-Based Installations - WABE City Lights
Nine Atlanta events to (safely) get into the holiday spirit - Atlanta Magazine
PRISM: Winter Lights - Arts ATL
Making Merry & Bright: Intown’s arts & culture scene offering socially distanced fun for the holidays - Atlanta Intown
Things to do in Atlanta this Holiday season 2020 - AAJC
PRISM: Winter Lights at Woodruff Park - Discover Atlanta
PRISM: Winter Lights Outdoor Exhibit to Return to Woodruff Park with New Light-Based, Water-Inspired Installations - Cision
PRISM: Winter Lights at Woodruff Park - AJC
From Public Art to a Comprehensive Strategic Planning Effort, Woodruff Park’s Future is Bright - Saporta Report
Atlantis Rising: Ellex Swavoni’s Sci-Fi Monument to Atlanta’s Black Heroines - Pin Up Magazine
Photo by Brock Scott
PRISM: Winter Lights at Woodruff Park is made possible through the generosity of Delta Air Lines. Additional support has been provided by the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District, Arts & Entertainment Atlanta and City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation.
Promotional artwork by Zoo as Zoo. Special thanks to Arc Design, Protect Awesome and Display Devices.