Searching for the Glow with Ling-Li Tseng

“A whispering between human(s) and nature.” That’s how UK-based artist Ling-Li Tseng describes her recent sculpture “The Search of the Glow”. And what an aptly named installation! In fact, if I had to choose a theme for this crazy year, I would choose to call it “The Search of the Glow.” Now more than ever, it feels important to search for the “glow” in life. Here’s to ending this long year finding simple joys in both the big and small.

The light installation is a wooden sphere constructed with a series of connected ovals. The lightweight pieces form a hollow orb that is outfitted with strips of LED lights — the result is a striking glowing orb amidst the forest. I love it! How excited would anyone be to encounter this magical sculpture on a walk?

The fantastical piece was created in collaboration with Serendipity Studio by utilizing new and old techniques. For example, digital fabrication was as important as traditional processes to create unique ovals and smaller connecting pieces. Ling-Li envisioned the finished installation as “a mysterious spatial experience”. The interplay of lightness in the dark, and the softer glow of the light in daylight is another testimony to the success of this piece. I am saying all of this just based on the photographs of this work but I feel certain it is even more magical in reality.

A piercing light in an otherwise dark forest — it’s easy to see how this light installation is a suitable metaphor for current times. 2020 has been a year unlike other, but instead of sitting alone in the dark, I’m continuing to look for the bright spots of this unprecedented year. I hope this helps you do the same.