Brown University

The Light in Art and Architecture symposium at Brown University continues the conversation around the innovative design of the Lindemann Performing Arts Center. This two-day event brings together contemporary light artists and architectural lighting designers to explore how light transforms spaces, enhances architecture, and creates ephemeral, transitory experiences.

On the second day of the symposium, four of today’s most prominent light artists and designers—Anthony McCall, Grimanesa Amorós, Jamie Carpenter, Jean Sundin, and Enrique Peiniger of OVI—will present examples of their work. Each artist will showcase how their practice enhances, modifies, and interprets architecture or creates standalone spaces that captivate and inspire.

Among the featured speakers, Grimanesa Amorós offers a unique perspective on the intersection of art, light, and architecture. Known for her large-scale light installations, Amorós shared behind-the-scenes insights into her creative process, highlighting how her work reflects cultural identity and social issues. She discussed her commissioned projects, emphasizing the collaborative nature of creating site-specific installations that engage communities and transform public spaces.

Amorós’s presentation also explored the technical and conceptual challenges of working with light as a medium. She demonstrated how her installations, often inspired by her Peruvian heritage, blend light, sculpture, and architecture to create immersive experiences that challenge perceptions and spark dialogue.

The symposium concluded with a roundtable discussion moderated by Brown faculty members that explored the future of art and technology. Panelists examined how advancements in lighting design and digital tools are reshaping artistic practices and architectural possibilities. The discussion highlighted the potential for cross-disciplinary collaboration to drive innovation and create meaningful, transformative experiences.

See the guest speakers and moderators and watch the full symposium on YouTube from Brown University’s official channel.

(00:16) Grimanesa Amorós, she is a Peruvian-born American whose multimedia and multidisciplinary work has long explored the connections between architecture, technology, history and community.

(00:28) Please join me in welcoming Grimanesa Amorós.

(00:33) Good morning everyone.

(00:34) I’m really delighted to be with you all here today.

(00:37) On many occasions these hues are inspired by nature to meet the vision I have for the piece.

(00:46) An exterior sequence that is thanks to the LCD screens reflections that are ever-changing from all the projected advertising.

(00:56) I immediately devised a different concept for the work and found alternative solutions.

(01:02) But the sun that shines on the square was the same it shines today from the past.

(01:07) I chose the Cultural Palace as the diplomatic quarters because it’s in an epicenter for locals and foreigners.

(01:24) How does that work for you?

(01:26) Do you have a mock-up in your studio?

(01:29) We can just talk about what your working process is like to this.

(01:34) I never know what I want to make of the lighting sequence until I actually finish installing.

(01:40) …That gives me a familiarity with the light on everyday basis.

(01:46) I just wanted to ask what you think about light is so profoundly, like so profoundly affects people.

(01:53) Life is ephemeral for all of us and I think that captivates us, the fact that we cannot own it and that’s why I constantly parallel to sound, to music.

(02:04) We all love to go to a concert, we all love to hear a great singer and that connected all or thousands of people in a concert.

(02:13) So I think that life has those qualities.