HOTTEA suspends 13,000 strands of yarn in mall of america atrium

erice rieger, also known as HOTTEA, has brought his yarn art indoors with a work titled ‘hot lunch’. the installation required the artist to hang 13,000 strands of colorful threads from a skylight inside mall of america’s main atrium.

13,000 strands of colorful threads hang from a skylight inside mall of america’s main atrium

rieger is best known for his previous, outdoor yarn works, found throughout minneapolis. in this interior installation, each strand measures 60 feet in length, and weigh — in total — around 721 pounds. ‘hot lunch’ is not only eye catching, but also meaningful. the work’s title alludes to the artist’s memories of personal hardships he experienced during high school lunch periods.

in this interior installation, each strand measures 60 feet in length

the artwork interacts with the surrounding space — maintaining an overall sense of harmony and tranquility. the visitor’s experience when confronted by the installation is integral to its success. the artwork manipulates a visitor’s experience to evoke feelings of excitement and personal happiness.

‘hot lunch’ is not only eye catching, but also meaningful

HOTTEA’s use of yarn stems from his close relationship with his grandmother throughout his childhood. because they both spoke different languages, it was easier to communicate through knitting — a pastime they both enjoyed.

the work’s title alludes to the artist’s personal memories of hardships he experienced during high school lunch

‘the foundation behind my work is to use existing infrastructure and create an artwork or idea that is in harmony within the given space,’ rieger explains. ‘I want to give as many people as possible an opportunity to experience spaces in new ways. I want to evoke feelings of happiness and awe. working with mall of america on this piece gives me an opportunity to do just that.’

the artwork interacts with the surrounding space