BFA Thesis Exhibit

Ethan Samaha

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Artist Statement

“From our initial encounter with the world to the end of our days, pure light is the first and supposed last recollection our physical bodies experience”
- Hannah Stouffer 
 
Through the use of minimal installations, I delve into the phenomenology of light as a material. The presence and absence of light within space and the interaction of the viewer are explored.  
 
Informed by light color theory and historical theatrical colorways, I assemble neon in clusters to create immersive installations that explore architectural space. Each environment bathes the viewer in saturated color and light. The experience of the installation differs amongst audience members in terms of color and depth perception, but will also change as the participant navigates throughout the space. 
 
My work pushes the boundaries of perception in the physical space, increasing spatial awareness. The duality of dramatic saturated environments and their subdued counterparts confronts the individuals’ understanding of light and space.
Nine clear tubes pumped neon mercury each five feet tall. Shifting from red to a light blue light. Hung vertically on a white wall. Each tube is spaced three inches apart from each other across a span of two feet. Click to view Nine clear tubes pumped neon mercury each five feet tall. Shifting from red to a light blue light. Hung vertically on a white wall. Each tube is spaced three inches apart from each other across a span of two feet. Full-Screen

+++++++++ (left [fading in])  // Glass, neon/mercury, Ventex Transformers // Dimensions variable.

Nine clear tubes pumped neon mercury, hung vertically on a white wall. Each tube is spaced three inches apart from each other across a span of two feet horizontally. The light from the tubes is filling the entire space in a light blue light. Click to view Nine clear tubes pumped neon mercury, hung vertically on a white wall. Each tube is spaced three inches apart from each other across a span of two feet horizontally. The light from the tubes is filling the entire space in a light blue light. Full-Screen

+++++++++ (left [aged in]) // Glass, neon/mercury, Ventex transformers // Dimension variable.

Nine blue tubes pumped argon mercury, hung horizontally on a white wall. Each tube is spaced three inches apart from each other across a span of two feet vertically. The light from the tubes is filling the entire space in a blue light. Click to view Nine blue tubes pumped argon mercury, hung horizontally on a white wall. Each tube is spaced three inches apart from each other across a span of two feet vertically. The light from the tubes is filling the entire space in a blue light. Full-Screen

+++++++++ (right) // Glass, argon/mercury, Ventex transformers // Dimensions variable.

A single dim violet line of argon, hung on a wall in a dark room. Click to view A single dim violet line of argon, hung on a wall in a dark room. Full-Screen

——————— // Glass, argon, Ventex transformer // 1 x 52 x 1 inches

Five yellow tubes suspended from the ceiling using chain and custom 3d printed parts. The yellow light is filling the entire room. Click to view Five yellow tubes suspended from the ceiling using chain and custom 3d printed parts. The yellow light is filling the entire room. Full-Screen

Yellow 
Yellow 
Yellow 
Yellow 
Yellow 
Glass, argon/mercury, yellow chain, steel chain, 3D printed parts, Ventex transformer // 100 x 52 x 1 inches

Installation view of Yellow, Yellow, Yellow, Yellow, Yellow and Magenta Raspberry. The room is mostly filled with yellow light with a hint of purple light coming from Magenta Raspberry. Click to view Installation view of Yellow, Yellow, Yellow, Yellow, Yellow and Magenta Raspberry. The room is mostly filled with yellow light with a hint of purple light coming from Magenta Raspberry. Full-Screen

installation view of  
Yellow  
Yellow 
Yellow 
Yellow 
Yellow 
and  Magenta Raspberry // Glass, argon/mercury, neon, chain, Ventex transformers // Dimensions variable

A cluster of eight foot long neon tubes hanging from the ceiling, eight inches off the ground. The cluster is suspended for the ceiling using red chain. Producing an intense red light within the room. Click to view A cluster of eight foot long neon tubes hanging from the ceiling, eight inches off the ground. The cluster is suspended for the ceiling using red chain. Producing an intense red light within the room. Full-Screen

Red 
Red Red 
Clear 
Glass, neon, red chain, 3D printed tube clips, Ventex transformer // 108 x 96 x 24 inches

Detail of the slightly bent tube in Red, Red, Red, Clear. Click to view Detail of the slightly bent tube in Red, Red, Red, Clear. Full-Screen

detail of  
Red 
Red Red 
Clear 
Glass, neon, red chain, 3D printed tube clips, Ventex transformer // 108 x 96 x 24 inches

Three tubes hung on the wall using custom tube supports. Filling the space with green light. Click to view Three tubes hung on the wall using custom tube supports. Filling the space with green light. Full-Screen

Green Red Green // Glass, argon, argon/mercury, neon, 3d printed tube supports, transformer

Install view of ——————— and ============. ============ is placed on a polished concrete floor, reflecting a violet light within the darkened room. Click to view Install view of ——————— and ============. ============ is placed on a polished concrete floor, reflecting a violet light within the darkened room. Full-Screen

installation shot of  
——————— 
and  
============ 
 
// Glass, argon, 3D printed tube support, Ventex transformer