TEDGlobal South

TED is a nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading powerful ideas, primarily through short, impactful talks. Founded in 1984, TED initially brought together thought leaders in technology, entertainment, and design. Over the years, it has expanded to cover a broad spectrum of topics, making it a global platform for knowledge-sharing and inspiration. Today, TED talks are accessible in over 110 languages, reaching millions of people worldwide.

At TEDGlobal 2014 South, the conference explored the big ideas shaping the world, focusing on the global currents that influence contemporary news and events. The event brought together innovators, thinkers, and creators from diverse fields to discuss pressing issues and share groundbreaking ideas. Among the distinguished participants was Grimanesa Amorós, a renowned visual artist celebrated for her large-scale light installations and interdisciplinary works.

During her lecture, Amorós shared insights into her creative process, emphasizing the intersection of art, technology, and cultural identity. She discussed how her work reflects social issues and connects communities across the globe. Her installations, often inspired by her Peruvian heritage, blend light, sculpture, and architecture to create immersive experiences that challenge perceptions and spark dialogue. Amorós’s participation added a vibrant, artistic perspective to the event, inspiring attendees to think beyond conventional boundaries and consider the transformative power of art in shaping society.

For more information on the TEDGlobal 2014 South Sessions, click here.

(00:00) My name is Grimanesa Amorós. I am an interdisciplinary artist. I’m from Peru, and I live in New York City.

(00:10) In my work, I create light sculpture installations that often integrate elements of sculpture, video, and lighting. My interest is in how light can change our perception of the space around us.

(00:25) My inspiration comes from many places, but especially from my childhood in Peru. One of the most important places for me is the Floating Islands of Uros in Lake Titicaca. The islands are made of reeds, and they are constantly shifting. The light there, the way it reflects off the water and the sky is something that has stayed with me my entire life.

(00:50) When I create my installations, I think of the space as a living organism. I want the viewers to feel like they are part of the work, not just observing it from the outside.

(01:05) For example, in my piece Uros, I used lighting and translucent materials to recreate that feeling of the floating islands. The lights pulse and change, mimicking the natural rhythm of water and the atmosphere.

(01:25) I often use “ephemeral” materials. Reeds, light, even shadows. Because light is not solid, but it has the power to occupy a room more effectively than a stone wall. It reaches out and touches you.

(01:40) People often ask me why I use such large-scale light. It’s because I want to create an environment where the viewer can lose themselves. In our busy, modern lives, we often forget to look up, or to notice how the light changes throughout the day. My work is an invitation to pause and to follow the lights.

(02:05) Whether it is in a public square in China, a building in New York, or an exhibition in Peru, my goal is always the same: to connect people through a shared experience of beauty and light.

(02:20) Thank you very much.