Project proposal for
Aurora Borealis, in support of
Labyrinth of a Colorful Cloud

by Rob Fischer

We attempt to explain our lives by citing the series of critical choices and dramatic moments that shift and divert our path. We attempt to “become” something or someone; we have goals for ourselves in our paths to fulfill who we want to be. But it is usually the minute unnoticed decisions that shape our existence. In retrospect, we realize that it was a series of both beautiful and painful moments that define who we are. We spend our lives in search of who we are as individuals, but it is usually the interpersonal relationships that, in reflection, we realize to be the most defining of our selves.

An Artifact Caused by a Bright Cloud, 2011
The Chinati Foundation, Marfa, TX

My work addresses these contingent, aleatory histories. My sculptures are amalgamations of parts with seemingly discordant functions, repeatedly built up, reconfigured and broken down into minimal, formally precise structures to include painted photographs, paintings on canvas, video and site–specific “earthworks”, systemically linked.

I have done a few related pieces- the colored house and the labyrinths of gym flooring. Labyrinth of a Colorful Cloud could be thought of as a combination of An Artifact Caused by a Bright Cloudand Few Landmarks and No Boundaries.

Few Landmarks and No Boundaries, 2009
Hammer Museum, Los Angeles, CA

Labyrinth of a Colorful Cloud will be a maze of multi-colored translucent panes of reinforced (tempered) glass. As with the previous piece, An Artifact Caused by a Bright Cloud, that I did during my residency at the Chinati Foundation, the light will stream through the translucent colors and make the glass glow. It will resemble An Artifact Caused by a Bright Cloudbut will be immensely expanded in size and more visually and physically complex.

Labyrinth of a Colorful Cloud will be about 60 feet long and 20 feet wide and will make a maze that people can enter and move through. Each pane of glass will be approximately 34 inches wide and 80 inches tall.

– Rob Fischer

Sketch for Labyrinth of a Colorful Cloud

This image detail  from An Artifact Caused by a Bright Cloud illustrates ideas of what the panels for Labyrinth of a Colorful Cloud and Aurora Borealis will resemble.

Materials: Tempered glass, steel, ink and adhesive

 The Chinati Foundation | La Fundación Chinati

The Chinati Foundation is a contemporary art museum based upon the ideas of its founder, Donald Judd. The specific intention of Chinati is to preserve and present to the public permanent large-scale installations by a limited number of artists. The emphasis is on works in which art and the surrounding landscape are inextricably linked. In 2011, the Chinati Foundation selected Rob Fischer as one of six international artists to create work specifically influenced by the strikingly natural environment of Marfa, Texas.

The Chinati Foundation, Marfa, TX

Sir Isaac Newton might have a word or two to say about An Artifact of a Bright Cloud. Those are the loathed words his contemporaries used to dismiss his Theory of Light and Colors.  His theory posited that colors are a manifestation of how an object affects light. Newton discovered that every color already exists in sunlight.  It is not sunlight that brings forth the colors in a flower but a flower that brings forth the colors in sunlight.  His rivals disputed his finding stating that results were only an artifact caused by a bright cloud.

Like Isaac Newton, Artifact of a Bright Cloud beautifully refracts obscure confluence of accidental effects.  Labyrinth of a Colorful Cloud weaves together the artifacts with seemingly crucial decisions and calculated turns.  View: Isaac Newton, by Sir Gobfery Kneller, 1689

 A letter from Liz Fate and Eric Charest-Weinberg

Eric and I are getting married this August in Black Rock City, Nevada.  The city and its culture touch us deeply for many reasons: we experience inspiring possibilities for humanity that profoundly move us, the possibilities are magically manifest at every turn, and the Black Rock Desert is the most striking gallery for large-scale interactive sculpture.  It is a delightful playground for curious art lovers.

For years, Eric and I have been pondering how to celebrate his mother’s spirit at Burning Man in a physical expression.  We decided that a sculpture by Rob Fischer would be a stunning tribute to Micheline and that our wedding was a beautiful time to embark on the project.  The labyrinth of life is beautiful, painful, unexpected, vast, colorful and nebulous.  Labyrinth of a Colorful Cloud refracts this complex spectum of life.

Labyrinth of a Colorful Cloud will debut on August 27, 2012 in the Black Rock Desert.  This project received a grant to kickstart production, however we still need support in executing this enormous endeavor.

There are two ways to support the project.  The first is a tax deductible donation to Burnt Oranges, Inc.  Burnt Oranges is an interactive arts 501(c)(3) that has graciously agreed to be the project’s fiscal sponsor.  Second, you can purchase a limited edition sculpture created specifically to support the production of Labyrinth of a Colorful Cloud.  We would like to offer Aurora Borealis (diptych, varying colors), 2012 and Aurora Borealis (triptych, varying colors), 2012 to you for half of the list price.  All proceeds are directly invested into the execution of Labyrinth of a Colorful Cloud.

We would be honored if you choose to participate in this monumental project by Rob Fischer.  We hope you can join us for the launch of Labyrinth of a Colorful Cloud.

– Liz & Eric

Aurora Borealis (triptych and diptych), 2012
(the images below are digital renderings)

Rob Fischer
Aurora Borealis (triptych, varying colors), 2012
Tempered glass, steel, ink, adhesive
78 inches high x 100 inches wide
$27,000 (list price)

Rob Fischer
Aurora Borealis (diptych, varying colors), 2012
Tempered glass, steel, ink, adhesive
78 inches high x 66 inches wide
$20,000 (list price)

 

PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS

To purchase Aurora Borealis (triptych or diptych), 2012.
Please contact Eric Charest-Weinberg   (305) 393-1320  [email protected]

To support us through a donation to Burnt Oranges Inc.  You may use the following method.  Donations made are tax deductible.
Please make check payable to Burnt Oranges Inc. Please indicate the memo as: Liz & Eric. You may send your donation to: Burnt Oranges Inc. 8187 Sully Dr. Orlando, FL 32818

To support us through a non tax deductible donation.
You may use the following PayPal linked email address: [email protected]  | www.paypal.com