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SHAPESHIFT

by Adam Frelin

Shapeshift, 2021, by Adam Frelin, was an experimental piece developed in anticipation of our 2022 Troy Glow light festival. It was created for the River Street entrance to Waterfront Park. When viewed from River Street, this space—created by a gap between buildings—functioned like a stage with a controlled vantage point and backdrop, as well as a fourth wall created by the brick entryway.

LOCATION: A temporary light artwork created for the River Street entrance to Troy’s waterfront park.

SHAPESHIFT

Site-specific art by Adam Frelin

Shapeshift was a temporary light artwork created specifically for the River Street entrance to Troy’s waterfront park. When viewed from River Street, this space––created by a gap between buildings––functions like a stage with a controlled vantage point and backdrop, as well as a fourth wall created by the brick entryway.

“To me,” said Frelin, “The most prominent features of this site are the series of shapes that make it up: an initial large square defines the outer edge that frames a smaller square at the back of the space with an implied triangle right in the middle. This upside-down triangle or V-shape created by the rooflines converging toward a vanishing point appears to simultaneously be pushing downwards and receding back in space.”

In an effort to activate the movement and tension of these receding lines, Shapeshift replicated the rooflines in illuminated LED neon held in place by a tethered aluminum frame. Acting as a glowing addition, it subtly filled the space between the buildings, echoing the existing attributes while also introducing itself as a new element to the site.
As a viewer moved through the space, the relationship between the artwork and the site continually changed. From underneath, it operated as a dramatic directional device pointing downwards. From the other side of the river, the large “V” could easily reference migrating geese flying above in similar formation during this time of year. Most importantly, the understated simplicity of Shapeshift was designed as a glowing form that encourages speculation and interpretation.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

ADAM FRELIN

Throughout Adam’s artistic career, he says that “his focus has been on creating artworks for outdoor locations and public places. Light art has become an essential part of my artistic practice for its ability to attract a wide and diverse audience. My choice to make artwork in public places for a diverse audience comes from a belief that art should be a part of our shared world.”

adamfrelin.com

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