Es Devlin Designs the Library of Light with 3000 Books
Amy Duong — April 11, 2025 — Art & Design
References: salonemilano.it & dezeen
British designer Es Devlin has presented the Library of Light, which is a kinetic installation that is comprised of 3,000 books. It rotates around a statue currently in Milan at the Pinacoteca di Brera gallery as a part of Milan Design Week. It features a revolving cylindrical sculpture measuring 18 meters in diameter with angled mirror planes made to reflect the sun and emit light to the courtyard.
Devlin explained to Dezeen, "The sculpture works as something to walk past and take in as you make your way around it to the library or art museum. It also works as a 'ride', like a funfair carousel, and also like a show, at night, with an audience gathered to sit and listen to a story, as we all did when we were children. Each book is a portal for visitors into each writer's body of work and ideas."
Image Credit: Monica Spezia
Devlin explained to Dezeen, "The sculpture works as something to walk past and take in as you make your way around it to the library or art museum. It also works as a 'ride', like a funfair carousel, and also like a show, at night, with an audience gathered to sit and listen to a story, as we all did when we were children. Each book is a portal for visitors into each writer's body of work and ideas."
Image Credit: Monica Spezia
Trend Themes
1. Kinetic Art Installations - The dynamic movement of kinetic art installations engages audiences beyond static experiences, transforming public spaces into interactive storytelling platforms.
2. Literature-driven Experiential Design - Integrating literature into physical spaces through innovative design fosters new connections with cultural content, enhancing visitor engagement and learning.
3. Mirror-based Light Art - Art installations utilizing mirrors to manipulate natural light create captivating visual effects, drawing viewers into immersive and reflective experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Public Art and Urban Design - Public art installations that incorporate kinetic elements and storytelling activate urban environments, offering novel forms of cultural enrichment.
2. Cultural Event Planning - Events that feature immersive installations like the Library of Light can elevate cultural festivals, attracting diverse audiences through unique experiential offerings.
3. Museum and Gallery Exhibitions - New exhibition formats that blend art with interactive elements challenge traditional museum experiences, encouraging repeat visits and greater visitor engagement.
8.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
