Bruce Munro // Lights
Bruce Munro is a modern British artist best known for his enormous three-dimensional light installations. The works of art created by Munro are heavily inspired by human experiences through the senses. For the past thirty years, Munro has been recording images and ideas that capture his reactions to stimuli such as music, literature, science, and nature. With the combination of vibrant imagination along with a knack at light construction, Munro has produced large beautiful fixtures of light that are both reminiscent of past experiences as well as intimate in surrounding. Munro arranges his work into three categories: installations, sculptures and commissions.
[Moon Harvest]
The Moon Harvest is an installation assembled by twenty cylindrical bales of hay placed all around Aviary Glade at Waddesdon Manor that serve as canvases for light. Munro set up fixed lights that illuminate the moon on the bales of hay. I personally love this installation because I have always been obsessed with the moon. I just think its one of the most beautiful things in the world. And it is amazing how Munro was able to make the moons look so realistic while creating a very soft romantic fairytale like mood.
[Restless Fakir]
Restless Fakir is a piece of work made with a timber board, halogen lights, and glass tubes. The sharp cone lights give off an intimidating appearance while the board of timber gives it an old look. I really like the contrast between the neatly arranged bright lights against the dull piece of wood. It seems as though it represents the disunity between the manmade artificial world and the natural world.
[Brass Monkeys]
Located at the Bath Royal United Hospital, Brass Monkeys is a large commission made by blown glass, stainless steal, and halide light source. The bubble like structures piled on top of one another is so unique and refreshing in style, especially because of the electric blue lights. According to psychologist, the color blue brings about feelings of calmness and serenity therefore, Brass Monkeys may also serve as a therapeutic tool.
Wow! These images look so magical. It’s amazing how Munro creates both surreal and realistic effects in his work. My favorite is “Brass Monkeys”. It’s incredibly mesmerizing to look at and I love the contrast of the bright lights against the dark room.
Light is definitely something that has a huge impact on us that we often take for granted. It can dictate our mood, our perception of beauty, and even our focus. Taking that into consideration, it puts an artist that utilizes light as a medium for sculpting into a whole new- pardon the pun- light.
Looking at what Munro has created with just a few simple components is almost inspiring. His work is reflective of a new generation of art, something that is both relatable and transient to the viewer. I would definitely be interested in going to see other installations that he has created.
This was a great find, with great commentary to boot!