Not just Kidspace | MASS MoCA (original) (raw)

This self-guided tour explores three artists who use both natural and artificial sources of light to create artwork. Follow up your tour with a visit to Kidspace to make art at the ArtBar, open school breaks and weekends.

Begin in Building 8 with a stop at Spencer Finch: Cosmic Latte. Feel free to lay or sit on the ground to gaze up at the work. What do the lights remind you of? Imagine being outside on a warm summer’s night gazing at the dark starry sky. What do you notice about the shapes and patterns of the lights? There are different clusters of light bulbs with all kinds of sizes. These clusters represent the molecules of the colors white, red, and two shades of yellow.

Next, take a trip to James Turrell: Into The Light. On the second floor you will find Dissolve, an example of Turrell’s Curved Glass works. Try taking some deep breaths while simply observing the work for a full minute. What do you notice? What kind of emotions do you associate with the changing colors? Dissolve was made by making a rounded hole in the wall and placing a series of LED lights behind a screen that are programmed to slowly change over the course of an hour.

Finally, make your way to the second floor of Building 6 and find Louise Bourgeois‘ work The Couple. This swirling sculpture of two entwined figures is made from polished aluminum. What do you notice about your reflection in it, and those of your surroundings? What if you change where you’re standing? Notice how the natural light from the large nearby windows is reflected in the sculpture.

Now it’s your turn to be the artist! Drop by the Kidspace ArtBar to create your own light-inspired art.