Under The Bushel
Under The Bushel is an interactive light installation that plays with the absorption and reflection of coloured light, and the transformative effect light and colour has in a dark space.
Rock-like ceramic forms sit on the ground, attached to simple rope pulleys in an unlit space. As they are raised, the solid-looking rocks transform into colourful, empty bowls (bushels), their hollow interiors exposed. They each release a glow of coloured light reflected from the inside of the bushel onto the shiny white floor. Then as the forms are raised higher, the full white light is released into the space so it is brightly and warmly lit. The forms create shadows until they reach the top and their bright coloured interiors decorate the ceiling, contrasting to their solid presence on the ground.
The work brings to life the proverb ‘don’t hide your light under a bushel’ illustrating the transformative effect of sharing hidden talents. The transformation rests in the hands of the viewers and the level of light they wish to contribute. The space is at its brightest only when every member of a full room of viewers contributes fully to releasing the light.
Under The Bushel was installed as part of the LUX light festival in Wellington, New Zealand in 2017 and true to its theme, was made possible by the collective contributions of others.