Lucent (double reflection), Photographer Credit - Mark Hadden

ARTIST WOLFGANG BUTTRESS, HAS COMPLETED LUCENT

-a new sculpture created as part of the lobby refurbishment of the iconic John Hancock Center in Chicago

Lucent: Wolfgang Buttress
Lucent is a newly unveiled sculpture by UK artist Wolfgang Buttress, created as part of the lobby refurbishment of the iconic John Hancock Center, Chicago, USA.

Posted 22 October 2015

Share this:

|

Deriving its name from the Latin Lucere, meaning 'to shine', this sculptural installation is based on a star-map. The piece draws on celestial mapping research by astrophysicist Dr Daniel Bayliss at the Australian National University. Lucent is a 4 meter-diameter hemisphere perforated with 3,115 holes representing stars visible with the naked eye from Earth’s Northern hemisphere. Fiber-optic cables emerge from each point, emitting a glowing ambient light. Affixed to these points are hand-blown glass orbs that diffuse the light. These points are triangulated, creating delicate stainless steel filigree. The Southern hemisphere is suggested in the ceiling reflection and a sense of infinity is implied by a double reflection set-up between the reflecting pool bellow and mirrored polished steel above.

Lucent (double reflection), Photographer Credit - Mark Hadden


Photo: Barney Melton		Lucent was engineered and fabricated by Vector Custom Fabricating, and the 3,100+ glass orbs were hand blown by glass artists at Ignite Glass Studios. Wolfgang Buttress is a Nottingham-based artist, whose work includes the award-wining UK Pavilion at Milan Expo 2015.


"I am interested in exploring the relationship between micro and macro scales and the connections between them. Some forms and phenomena occur across scales from the cosmic to the microscopic. We are all stardust. The use of scale can remind us of universality and wonder" Wolfgang Buttress (Lucent : 2015) Client : Hearn Artist : Wolfgang Buttress Scientist: Dr. Daniel Bayliss Fabricators: Vector Custom Fabricating Glass Blower: Ignite Glass Studios Lighting Supplier: Universal Fibre Optics Curator : Susan Aurinko http://www.wolfgangbuttress.com		Lucent (double reflection), Photographer Credit - Mark Hadden


Lucent (double reflection), Photographer Credit - Mark Hadden		About John Hancock Center Since its completion in 1970, JOHN HANCOCK CENTER stands as the pre-eminent address for local, national and international business. With its significant architecture, solid steel foundation and captivating views of four states, JOHN HANCOCK CENTER's iconic presence in Chicago's skyline serves to amplify the profiles of the diverse and important businesses within its fold. Nowhere but JOHN HANCOCK CENTER has such a distinguished address. Designed by Skidmore Owings and Merrill Completed in 1970 John Hancock Center The Office of the Building 875 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 4100 Chicago, Illinois 60611 312.794.7777 phone Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 http://www.johnhancockcenterchicago.com