Windows: Sharon Louden

An exhibition titled Windows by the artist Sharon Louden who is best known for room-sized installations constructed of thousands of small assembled and articulated components. Appearing en masse, Windows will at first sight present to the viewer as a massive assemblage of mobiles hanging from the ceiling. On further inspection the viewer will begin to recognize patterns and forms, as if the artist had been drawing in space. Instead of pencil lines, Sharon Louden uses monofilament, and employs a constellation of see-through acetate, frosted Mylar, and thin mirror-like stretches of aluminum. 

The in-space drawings function as dynamic airborne sculpture. Seen from different angles of view they seem to weave and twist as they reflect upon multiple surfaces. Louden intends these point-of-view groupings to suggest organisms with gestures and character. Her inspiration comes from her keen observation of biological form. Louden’s intent is to evoke playful imagination, promote conversation, and please the eye, providing ideas for interaction with the public through various materials that reveal movement, light, and reflectivity. 

Another integral component of the artwork is a musical soundscape created by contemporary classical composer, Andrew Simpson, Professor of Music at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. He will conduct his new composition with University of Minnesota Duluth music students and a recording will be made that will play throughout the duration of the exhibition. Opening night will be its world premiere. 

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.