Skip to main content

Cool Pool

In the lobby of the Henry Art Gallery sits an inflatable plastic pool filled with water that’s being circulated by an electric pump. Floating on the water’s surface are dozens of porcelain bowls in varying sizes. As the bowls are caught up in the swirling current generated by the pump, they gently collide into one another creating random chimes as they clank their way around the pool. The effect is like being in a Tibetan monastery during some kind of sacred bell ritual. This temporary yet ingenious installation is the work of French sound artist, Céleste Boursier- Mougenot. If you hurry you can still experience this for yourself. The pool will be on display until September 26th and you can find more information at henryart.org. Below is a video clip of a similar installation created in 2009.



Another big stand out for me from this month's gallery walk is the John Grade installation at Davidson Galleries. He first caught my attention at a Bumbershoot exhibition a few years ago. The artist will be discussing his work in two separate talks this month. The first will be at the Downtown Seattle Library on September 10th followed by a second talk at the Davidson on September 18th at noon.

John Grade. Jetty, 2010. Wood and resin. 8 x 16 x 9 inches.



John Grade. Circuit (Main), 2010. Glazed ceramic bonded with gypsum polymer to corn-based resin embedded with marine netting. 9 x 24 x 24 feet.

I am finishing up some commissions this month and will post a studio update soon.

Comments

Mary said…
Do they pay you to write these wonderful well-written reviews?
They should!
Mary said…
Thai IS a very cool pool!
Fun, Lisa! I love the sound of the bowls! Nice!
Christine said…
I could watch the Porzellanschalen for hours! So ruminant...