Letting the Light In: Art on the Seattle Waterfront
Image via Friends of Art on Pier 86 website
On the brisk Friday evening of December 21st, we attended the “Let There Be Light” Closing Viewing Party. Hosted by the Friends of Art on Pier 86, the event included a vibrant video art piece heralding Seattle’s history, along with anticipating the future. Created by the artist duo Hexagon Misfit, the piece was projected over 200 feet tall & onto the head house of the Pier 86 Grain Terminal. Incredibly, the terminal still functions and is operated daily by the Port of Seattle.
In speaking with artist Craig Winslow, he explained drawing inspiration from images of Seattle’s past. Photographs depicting the area over time were projected onto the facade.
Utilizing visual mapping techniques, aspects of the architecture were also superimposed onto the building. Some of this work reminded me of the Borealis light festival at MOHAI back in October.
The event took place at Expedia’s offices on Elliot Ave, providing great views of the video art, although it was even more compelling viewing from outside. As we all look to a changing downtown Seattle waterfront, one in which artists will have permanent works on display according to the city’s art plan & vision, I look forward to what the Friends group has in store for the future!