October | 2020 | Lena Willryd Art & Design

“I only went out for a walk, but decided to stay until sundown, for going out was in fact going in” (John Muir)

The works in this immersive installation comprise of four pieces (+ cards) sprung from the same shape and colours, instigated by the painting I only went out for a walk. By using the same composition in a variety of media, scale and tonal values it plays with the viewer’s transformation of perception and emotion, often in intangible ways.

Informed by Helen Frankenthaler’s colour compositions the shapes and hues in the painting were unconsciously considered but originated from a particular forest area in my native country Sweden.

Josef Albers’ application of the same pattern in diverse materials, and his works made of small square glass pieces in particular, inspired me to divide my composition into 64 “pixels”. In order to capture the transparent qualities of coloured glass in a “lighter” way I used coloured acetate which was laminated for durability and additional reflections.

By illuminating the works in a dimly lit room attention is drawn to their “inner light” – their essence. United by the colours green and pink (in ancient scriptures considered to have healing qualities) the illuminated works become windows into which the viewer can reflect inwards rather than outwards. Influenced by Ellsworth Kelly’s chapel “Austin” the installation suggests a space of reverence and offers an opportunity for contemplation in a time of great uncertainty and change – in a world that has changed its colours.

“I am confident that arts, culture and creativity will play an important role in bringing healing to the nation as we emerge from this unprecedented challenge” (Josepha Madigan, Minister for Culture 3^rd April 2020)