Astral Array

Artist Leo Villareal (American, born 1967)

Date2023

Mediummirror polished stainless steel, LED lights, custom software and electrical hardware

Dimensions2 in. x 42 x 38 ft. (5.1 × 1280.5 × 1158.5 cm)

ClassificationsInstallation

Credit LineMuseum purchase with funds from Cindy Miscikowski, Bobbie Foshay, the Edward Hastings and Gino Barcone Trust, Dee Ann McIntyre, and Pat and Jim Hall, 2023

Object number2023.7.1

DescriptionMirror polished stainless steel tracks containing LED lights mounted in the ceiling over the Covered Terrace. The led lights are manipulated by custom software which creates constantly varying patterns.
eMuseum Notes

Emuseum Notes

Through an array of LEDs, Leo Villareal creates seemingly random patterns suggestive of natural phenomena, such as constellations, tidal action, or climatic forms such as clouds. The light patterns are derived from computer codes Villareal develops through a study of these phenomena and their mathematical structure. Although the artist is careful not to imitate patterns found in nature, his work compels the viewer to identify the order in the random, and often hypnotic, play of light.

This installation, Astral Array, infers a connection to the myriad stars visible in the night sky, but the term “astral” also infers a spiritual realm. The patterns of the sequence create a transcendent experience, transporting the viewer emotionally and spiritually to another place.

On View

On view

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