Passing Light
Passing Light
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio Airport
1998Passing Light is a 400 ft. long permanent installation for the new extension of the San Antonio Airport. Installed in 1998, it is composed of four basic elements:
Fast Light: 54 light/ sound “points” dispersed on each of the three lower walkways, creating a “kinetic sound/light environment” over the 360 foot long walkway.
Visual Music: these points of light/sound “play” a sequence of different patterns—solo, pairs, trio, quartet, ordered, random—creating a soothing chime-like “visual music” within the space, contrasting with the frenetic pace of the airport. These sound patterns change throughout the day and also play on the hour, as an “Environmental Clock.”
Slow Light: a pattern of colored acrylic forms installed in the canopy, based on the bright festive colors of South Texas, cast a slowly moving pattern across the paseo throughout the day.
Sundial: etched in the floor of the paseo is a design which marks high noon of the winter and summer solstice and the two equinoxes. As these special days approach, a strong visual tension is developed between the colored forms and the etched outline on the ground.
Project credits:
Felix Padron; Phil Franklin/Project Manager; Mark Wong/MIDI programmer; George Cisneros; Jimmy LaFlore.Project sponsors:
Sound Around, Inc.; Ushio, Inc.; San Antomio Commission on the Arts; Apple Computer; Motu Corporation; Belden Wire and Cable/Alpha Wire Company.
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Article: Solstice Press 6.21.22 – click to view
June 21, 2022 – Annual performance on the Summer Solstice
Choreography – Catherine Cisneros
Photos – Ramin Samandari
Spring is coming. San Antonio, March, 2021.
