Anthony McCarthy, an SETU graduate, had an exhibition of his lightening designs in the Butler gallery in Kilkenny on the 7 and 8 November as part of Design Week.
Anthony McCarthy designed an immersive light installation named Proper Dark, which explored the relationship between light, darkness, movement, time and perception.
The exhibition was developed through decades of experimentation with sculptural light apparatus. Anthony did not want to simply present an object to be observed, but rather invite the visitor to enter into a changing relationship with it.
Proper Dark explored that in the dark light travels through carefully constructed forms, creating shadows and reflections. As viewers moved, the light stimulation changed allowing the viewer to be part of the experience.
Anthony wanted this exhibition to be a chance for viewers to slow down. He realised that we live in a world that is increasingly filled with speed, screens and instant information.
I created Proper Dark to invite the viewers to pause and look closely at the light stimulation and allow their curiosity to take over. I wanted to create an experience for the viewer, allowing them to actually give themselves time to look and engage with their surroundings
The exhibition links to the spirit of Ireland that it is both rooted in its own creative traditions and open to new possibilities. It included Irish art, hand- built making and geometry to create a contemporary and accessible piece of work.
The exhibition also wanted to be a contrast to modern day life. Rather than consuming an image or object instantly, visitors were invited to pause and discover their own moment and perception.
Design at SETU has been structured to be innovative and industry-relevant and prepares graduates for a creative career working through sustainable design practise and research within evolving design technologies.
