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.