Introduction to “Penumbra”
Renowned artist Ian Strange unveils his latest series, “Penumbra,” featuring large-scale light installations and striking photo works. This captivating collection incorporates real homes situated in Cincinnati, transformed through the ingenious use of light and shadow. Over a meticulous two-month period, Strange, along with his collaborators, installed and photographed the captivating light works, creating a visually arresting narrative that blurs the lines between illumination and obscurity.
Ley Street: Monumental Shadows
The inaugural piece in the series, titled Ley Street, establishes a mesmerizing play of light and shadow, casting a monumental shadow of a home across the street. The deliberate use of dramatic, single-source lighting adds a theatrical quality to the installation, highlighting the architectural features of the home while enveloping it in an enigmatic aura. Ley Street becomes a testament to the transformative power of light in reshaping our perception of familiar spaces.
Walnut Avenue: Radiant Silhouettes
In the second installment, Walnut Avenue takes center stage as the home undergoes a stunning metamorphosis into a radiant white silhouette. This transformation is achieved through the meticulous application of a light-reflective material, commonly found on street signs. The result is a breathtaking interplay of brilliance and subtlety, elevating the ordinary into the extraordinary. “Penumbra” emerges as a celebration of the ephemeral beauty created by light as it interacts with architectural elements.
Exploring the Title: “Penumbra”
The title, “Penumbra,” holds profound significance, referring to the partial or imperfect shadow outside its darkest point. This concept encapsulates the essence of the series, capturing the delicate balance between total illumination and darkness. Through the interplay of light and shadow, Ian Strange invites viewers to explore the nuanced beauty found in the in-between spaces, where imperfection becomes a source of artistic inspiration.
Reflections on Histories of Place and Landscape
Accompanying the two final photographic works are insightful reflections on the histories of each home. “Penumbra” extends beyond the visual spectacle, delving into the imperfect act of seeing and understanding the layered histories embedded in the landscapes. The inclusion of research and archival materials adds depth to the narrative, inviting contemplation on the interconnected relationship between place and memory.
“Ian Strange: Disturbed Home” at FotoFocus Biennial
For an immersive experience of Ian Strange’s body of work, the Art Academy of Cincinnati hosts the comprehensive survey, “Ian Strange: Disturbed Home,” as part of the 2022 FotoFocus Biennial. Curated by Kevin Moore, this exhibition runs until December 9, 2022. It provides a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts to engage with the transformative and thought-provoking creations of Ian Strange.
In “Penumbra,” Ian Strange masterfully explores the interplay of light and shadow to redefine the perception of homes and neighborhoods. The series serves as a testament to the artist’s ability to transcend conventional boundaries, inviting viewers to contemplate the beauty inherent in the imperfections of our surroundings. As the radiant silhouettes and monumental shadows unfold, “Penumbra” stands as a poetic ode to the transformative power of artistic vision in reshaping the familiar into the extraordinary.
