PASSAGE, The Peninsula Hotel, Istanbul

Grimanesa Amorós created ‘Passage’ a light sculpture mounted on the historic clock tower at The Peninsula Hotel in Istanbul. Above what was once a bustling ferry terminal, the sculpture creates a striking interplay between heritage architecture and contemporary digital art.

MARITIME, The Peninsula Hotel, Istanbul

MARITIME, deriving from the Latin word maritimus, meaning “of the sea,” rhythmically explores the oceans and waters. In this artwork by Grimanesa Amorós, the light formation becomes a vessel, one that carries memory, movement, and light across expanded geographies. Referencing nautical history and ancient modes of navigation, the piece invites viewers to consider how journeys—physical, historical, and emotional—are charted across both water and time, along with the untold and spoken stories of the waves of adventure, while also commenting on the unbalanced state of our seas.

HEDERA, BRIC Arts Media, Brooklyn, New York

Created in honor of BRIC’s 40th anniversary season, and coinciding with the Celebrate Brooklyn! festival, HEDERA draws inspiration from the Prospect Park Bandshell and the natural beauty of the vegetation in the park. Because of this, the sculpture is raised above the grass while its dome shape envelopes the audience.

The work is a lighting sculpture that interacts with the community, as it does not interrupt the flow of the environment with its lighting sequence but rather amplifies it. When the viewer walks into the center of HEDERA, they see their reflection in the dome. Thus, the piece cultivates a relationship between public space and community through the conversation it generates. At the nucleus of the piece, visitors see smaller protruding domes to relate to a plant’s central bud. With groups of people under the structure, the reflective shadows give an image of a flower blooming.

HEDERA creates a space where concepts, thoughts, and experiences converge to inspire change. It is a wish for the sculpture to coexist with its viewers, bringing them closer to an ideal world where individuals can unite in celebration of diversity and shared humanity.

SISTRUM, Villa Escandon, Mexico City

A site-specific lighting sculpture combining ancient Egypt’s mystical power with ceremonial music, SISTRUM draws inspiration from the commissioner’s passion for music and the ancient world, aiming to create a timeless and immersive experience for viewers.

The piece transports its audience into a divine space. Amorós has learned about the different afterlife concepts through her travels in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas; they all have in common a guide on what’s to come. The artwork offers a sanctuary from modern life, where moments of independence and solitude invite viewers to reflect and connect with themselves. The sculpture’s interactivity centers around a reflective dome, which captures and refracts a custom light sequence. Through their reflection, viewers are drawn into a meditative space that transcends the physical world, prompting contemplation on life, death, and the journey beyond.

GOLDEN ARRAY, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, India

With her artwork, GOLDEN ARRAY, Amorós invites viewers to imagine and reflect upon the intricate and complex array that interconnects us all. While journeying throughout India, she was captivated by the sprawling expanse of cable lines that adorned the horizon – wires upon wires laid atop one another, stretching in every direction from every vantage point. Some were thick, others thin, twisted, knotted, or perfectly straight. Each wire followed its unique path through unknown trajectories – a tangled web, yet a web that served a vital purpose.

Believing that communication forms the foundation of human bonds, Amorós found herself fascinated by the intricate nature of wires, which inspired GOLDEN ARRAY, located within the Bandra Kurla Complex in collaboration with Reliance Group and Maker Maxity. The sculpture, suspended weightlessly in space, serves as a visual metaphor, urging contemplation of the profound web that binds humanity and the myriad ways we communicate and connect. These threads of connectivity bridge gaps, allowing the world to stay interconnected and enabling people to communicate and relate to one another.

RACIMO, Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

A site-specific monumental outdoor lighting sculpture installation, RACIMO can be seen from various decks of Allure of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, sponsored by ICART, the art advisor for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

Created with meticulous attention to detail, RACIMO features silk-screened domes with drawings depicting vineyards in Peru, a heartfelt homage to Amorós’s childhood memories of strolling through the rows of vines in Pisco. RACIMO, which translates to a cluster of fruits from the same vine, signifies the grapevine’s inherent growth pattern and captivating structure.

Amorós draws inspiration from the shapes and allure of grapes, infusing RACIMO with a sense of wonder and nostalgia. RACIMO seamlessly integrates into the awe-inspiring ambiance of Allure of the Seas, enchanting travelers and celebrating the beauty of our world’s diverse cultures.

GOLDEN WATERS, Scottsdale, Arizona

The Hohokam people’s ancient ingenuity and groundbreaking irrigation canals transformed lives and shaped civilizations. GOLDEN WATERS, a monumental light installation commissioned by Scottsdale Public Art, floats across the water, representing the twists and turns of the Hohokam‘s ancient innovations. Through a brilliant fusion of the Soleri Bridge’s spine by architect Paolo Soleri and innovative light tubing structures, Amorós creates a truly immersive experience.

Amorós’s artistic journey is deeply intertwined with the human body’s response to environmental conditions. By forging a profound connection to nature, one can sense the presence of water and the essence of the natural world by standing in its proximity. Harnessing this elemental connection, GOLDEN WATERS emerges from the tranquil canal waters, seamlessly blending with its surroundings as if it were an intrinsic part of the waterway. The lines of the artwork symbolize the delicate equilibrium between the forces of urbanization and the enduring power of the natural world, reflecting a harmonious coexistence between the two.

GOLDEN WATERS captures the essence of the human body’s response to the environment – symbolizing the delicate equilibrium between urban development and the timeless forces of the natural world.

BREATHLESS MAIDEN LANE, Time Equities Building, New York

The concept of BREATHLESS MAIDEN LANE evokes a sense of exhilaration, capturing the essence of the bustling New York lifestyle where individuals navigate an abundance of stimuli each day. The viewer becomes captivated, heightening their awareness of the environment.

Amorós delved into the history of Maiden Lane, learning that this winding path was steeped with romantic lore. She discovered the unique street patterns of Lower Manhattan – unlike the grid pattern imposed on much of the island, the streets of the Financial District followed the pre-existing waterways, resulting in an organic and seemingly chaotic layout.

Inspired by the energetic surroundings and the lively presence of people, BREATHLESS MAIDEN LANE comes to life. The monumental light sculpture installation mesmerizes viewers with its dynamic composition of white and gold LED lighting tubes, elegantly activating the façade of the Times Equity Building. BREATHLESS MAIDEN LANE awakens the senses and unveils the bustling cityscape’s hidden beauty.

GOLDEN CONNECTION, Harper’s Bazaar Art Night, Art Basel Hong Kong

Illuminating the interplay between cultures and the significance of technology in bridging boundaries, GOLDEN CONNECTION is a testament to Amorós’s enduring commitment to creativity and cultural exchange, infusing a touch of the divine into modern technology.

GOLDEN CONNECTION was featured at Harper’s Bazaar Art Night at the Four Seasons Hotel – a gala celebrating the inaugural edition of Art Basel Hong Kong and solidifying the city’s role as a significant player in the global art market. This notable event, organized jointly by Harper’s Bazaar Art, one of the most popular and influential art magazines in Asia, and The Royal Academy of Arts, aligns with Amorós’s artistic vision and philosophy that ‘art changes the world,’ transcending borders and fostering a profound appreciation for the value of art.

PINK LOTUS x The Peninsula Hotel, New York

The delicate lotus flower symbolizes enlightenment, transformation, and rebirth; it is a metaphorical commentary, a meditation on the dynamic powers of the natural world. As part of ‘The Art of Pink,’ an international Breast Cancer Awareness Month arts initiative sponsored by The Peninsula Hotels worldwide, Amorós created PINK LOTUS, a  large-scale monumental light sculpture assuming the shape of this symbolic flower.

Emphasizing harmony as it gracefully sits between two idols of femininity adorning The Peninsula Hotel’s landmark facade on 5th Avenue – Ceres, the goddess of fertility, and Diana, the goddess of the hunt, representing its power and softness – PINK LOTUS connects the two with its balancing qualities. PINK LOTUS was exclusively curated by Circa 1881.

LOTUS x Moët Hennessy, Miami

In order to celebrate Hennessy’s ultra-refined expression, Paradis Impéria, Quintessentially partnered with the legendary French Maison de Cognac and Amorós to co-host an event in the penthouse of the Residences at The Miami Beach EDITION during Art Basel Miami Beach.

Bringing together select Quintessentially Members and Cognac connoisseurs, Hennessy, which has been crafting the world’s finest Cognacs since 1765, was able to indulge invitees to a culinary moment like no other with curated bespoke and intimate experiential tastings.

OCUPANTE, Ludwig Museum, Germany

The Ludwig Museum is a significant historical landmark at the iconic ‘Deutsche Eck’ (German Corner). Within this symbolic space, fragments of the Berlin Wall pay tribute to the victims of the division, reminding us of the detrimental consequences of borders on human connections and cultural exchange.

OCUPANTE aims to transcend these barriers and forge meaningful connections between individuals and cultures. This sculpture embodies the aspirations of a harmonious and interconnected world where dreams and realities coexist, and cultural exchange thrives. By inviting viewers to enter the museum space, OCUPANTE blurs the line between observer and occupant, encouraging active participation and engagement. It serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative potential when we bridge divides and embrace the richness of diverse perspectives.

ARGENTUM, The Bronx Museum of the Arts, New York

ARGENTUM contemplates the city’s essence, recognizing steel as one of its fundamental building blocks. Within the composition of ARGENTUM, two distinctive sections converge, symbolizing the juxtaposition between the island of Manhattan and the neighboring borough of the Bronx.

The left section embodies Manhattan, serving as the starting point for New York’s relentless expansion throughout the ages, eventually reaching the vibrant landscapes of the Bronx. This dual representation encapsulates the dynamic growth and profound development that has characterized the city’s evolution.

ARGENTUM connects with The Bronx Museum’s main aim: to connect the vibrant New York City artist community to all the citizens and its boroughs.

Derived from the Latin word for ‘knowledge,’ SCIENTIA encapsulates the essence of seeking and sharing wisdom within a socially interactive context. This lighting sculpture by Amorós delves into human connection, drawing upon our elemental understanding of the world – fire, water, earth, and light. By immersing viewers in these primordial elements, SCIENTIA is a gateway to accessing our emotional selves, nurturing a sense of well-being, and fostering community engagement.

With a deep understanding of this dynamic, Amorós delves into the profound interplay between our environment and state of mind. SCIENTIA is a catalyst for engaging visitors in a transformative dialogue with architecture and community. Through the interplay of light, the artwork ignites moments of realization, fostering connections that transcend physical boundaries.

THE MIRROR CONNECTION, Central Academy of Fine Arts Museum, China

Amorós’s site-specific commission at the China Central Academy of Fine Arts Museum in Beijing, THE MIRROR CONNECTION, replicated the artist’s feelings upon entering the lobby, designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki – absorbed by the luminous space and expansive lines.

With themes that include Amorós’s preference towards asymmetry and her search for infinite light, THE MIRROR CONNECTION consists of a huge waterfall-like scribble of LEDs that pulsate in their white and yellow colors, giving a sense of liquid flowing through tubes. The lights bounce off the walls and reflect off the metal domes they emanate from while intermittently casting shadows around the space.