Back Hatch Mural

The plaque in the center reads:
Lumia Grande is an ode to the inventor of lumia art, Thomas Wilfred (1889-1968). The term “lumia” was coined by Wilfred to declare light as a formal and official art form of it’s own. He created the Clavilux (also known as colour organs), as large scale projection machines and performed concerts for the public starting in the 1920’s. The Clavilux created fluid streams of slowly metamorphosing color that has been described as “cosmos in a box”. These early works are considered to be the inspiration for modern psychedelic light shows. Wilfred went on to found the Art Institute of Light of New York, and is said to have co-founded a group called the Promethians who were “dedicated to exploring spiritual matters through modern artistic expression.”

In this example of lumia art, Lumia Grande stores light from the sun over the period of day and uses that energy at night to sculpt random compositions of color, forms and shapes that change slowly over time. It’s this idea, the dimension of time defined by light, that provides a unique experience which slows our pace and invites us to explore and surrender to the visions before us.

First Glimpses

Lumia Grande is looking forward to your visit. This still photo taken in the dark doesn't quite do the colors justice, but it gives you a good idea of what she looks like.

Danger

Hmmm...we need to rethink the box that houses the lights. This thermometer only goes to 220.

Keep it simple

Oh the joys of defeat. The mural will not be happening for Burning Man this year. Put simply, we do not have time. Everything else (of course) has taken longer than expected.

So for the sake of keeping things simple yet still aesthetically pleasing, the Lumia will be a grande pillar of shining white. Her colors will glow and evolve at night and draw in you in like a moth to the flame. You will witness the cosmos. You will have visions that blend with those only previously seen inside your head.

In the words of Thomas Wilfred... no admission charge, no questions asked, no philosophy propounded... remain as long as you like, to rest your ears and bathe your soul in the slowly evolving sequences of radiant form, pure color and graceful motion.

posted by jenny