shadow-art luminaries by arturo álvarez animate sculptural steel faces

these kinetic luminaries by spanish artist and designer arturo álvarez generate subtly moving shadows that give expression to a collection of figures and faces. presented at ICFF during NYCxDESIGN 2017, ‘conversas’ comprises a series of stainless steel mesh shapes, which take on abstract, figurative forms. as a small hanging light source is gently pushed nearby, a dramatic shadow takes shape against the surrounding surfaces, expanding and contracting the faces in billowing waves.

see the ‘conversas’ luminaries come to life as a small light is pushed, and shadows are cast on the wall

at ICFF, álvarez has hung a small cluster of ‘conversas’ lights against a white backdrop. as the light source moves, the steel faces cast dramatic shadows against the wall, engaging in expressive gestures. the shadows offer detail into each and every wrinkle of the faces’ form, highlighting their cheeks, eyelids and lips. while the light bulbs undulate in space, the movements lead to engaged ‘conversations’ between the various characters. ‘expressions, gestures and glances emerge from the chilly looking shaped steel chain mail,’ álvarez explains. ‘a spirit — bare and straightforward — seems to gaze at us in some cases, while in others, it makes a face to hide the most intimate part of its being, or simply lays there with a confused look.’

subtly moving shadows give expression to a collection of figures and faces
image courtesy of arturo álvarez

‘conversas’ comprises a series of stainless steel mesh shapes, which take on abstract, figurative forms
gif © designboom

as a small hanging light source is gently pushed nearby, a dramatic shadow takes shape
image © designboom

the shadows offer detail into each and every wrinkle of the faces’ form
image © designboom

the shadow expands and contracts in billowing waves
gif © designboom

as the light bulbs undulate in space, the movements lead to engaged ‘conversations’
image © designboom

at ICFF, álvarez has hung a small cluster of ‘conversas’ lights against a white backdrop
image © designboom

expressions, gestures and glances emerge from the sculpted steel forms
image courtesy of arturo álvarez