Virtual views: The Joys of Broward Illuminated
Experience a unique view of nature from home.
While this project was originally commissioned for the Governmental Center in Fort Lauderdale, not everyone is able to physically visit the site; because of restrictions due to the Covid 19 pandemic, I've decided to make an online version accessible to all. I wanted everyone to be able to take home part of the artwork and enjoy it in their own environment. You can now stream the video art that is in the video pillars on your smartphones or tablets. Let the videos play in the background and experience some of what it feels like to be at the physical location. There are 3 specific videos that address the following elements: trees, water, and flora/ fauna. One video has all three combined. If you have more than one phone or tablet, I recommend streaming a different one on each device at the same time. You can create a little installation around your home. Turn each device on its vertical axis, enlarge the viewing window, adjust the volume, and soak in the experience.
Installation Site:
The Joys of Broward Illuminated, 2017. Commissioned by Broward County through its Public Art & Design Program.
Video Art, mixed media, artifacts, LED lighting and electronics.
Governmental Center Building,115 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 3330
Statement:
I wanted to bring elements of nature from Broward County into the building to enhance a sense of belonging and emotional wellbeing. The video light pillars are windows to the natural world by showing elements of nature with video, sound, lighting, and actual artifacts. The pillars provide a sense of the natural wonders we have right in our own backyard by reminding and showing moving images of the flora and fauna in Broward County. Poetic visions of our natural wonders are presented in extremely slow motion so one can view the motion of waves, the fluttering wings of bees and the flight of birds. Each video light pillar exudes warmth and wellbeing with soothing sounds and appropriate video imagery. This is complimented with natural artifacts inset into the pillars including urchins, sand dollars, sea grape leaves, and assorted seeds. The video and audio were shot around Broward County parks and wildlife spaces including TY Park, Tree Tops Park, Dania Beach, Hollywood Beach, Fern Forest, Secret Woods, Ann Kolb Nature Center, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, and the Everglades.
The two LED nature forms were inspired by the trees in TY Park and the ibis I see everywhere. The trees remind us of the natural shelter they provide and the ibis a playful icon. I wanted to provide this element for children who visited with their parents. While I was filming at the various locations, I was continually reminded of the rich flora and fauna and its benefits to my own psyche. I see the finished installation as a regenerative experience that will connect people back to nature and remind us of what’s in our own backyard.
While this project was originally commissioned for the Governmental Center in Fort Lauderdale, not everyone is able to physically visit the site; because of restrictions due to the Covid 19 pandemic, I've decided to make an online version accessible to all. I wanted everyone to be able to take home part of the artwork and enjoy it in their own environment. You can now stream the video art that is in the video pillars on your smartphones or tablets. Let the videos play in the background and experience some of what it feels like to be at the physical location. There are 3 specific videos that address the following elements: trees, water, and flora/ fauna. One video has all three combined. If you have more than one phone or tablet, I recommend streaming a different one on each device at the same time. You can create a little installation around your home. Turn each device on its vertical axis, enlarge the viewing window, adjust the volume, and soak in the experience.
Installation Site:
The Joys of Broward Illuminated, 2017. Commissioned by Broward County through its Public Art & Design Program.
Video Art, mixed media, artifacts, LED lighting and electronics.
Governmental Center Building,115 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 3330
Statement:
I wanted to bring elements of nature from Broward County into the building to enhance a sense of belonging and emotional wellbeing. The video light pillars are windows to the natural world by showing elements of nature with video, sound, lighting, and actual artifacts. The pillars provide a sense of the natural wonders we have right in our own backyard by reminding and showing moving images of the flora and fauna in Broward County. Poetic visions of our natural wonders are presented in extremely slow motion so one can view the motion of waves, the fluttering wings of bees and the flight of birds. Each video light pillar exudes warmth and wellbeing with soothing sounds and appropriate video imagery. This is complimented with natural artifacts inset into the pillars including urchins, sand dollars, sea grape leaves, and assorted seeds. The video and audio were shot around Broward County parks and wildlife spaces including TY Park, Tree Tops Park, Dania Beach, Hollywood Beach, Fern Forest, Secret Woods, Ann Kolb Nature Center, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, and the Everglades.
The two LED nature forms were inspired by the trees in TY Park and the ibis I see everywhere. The trees remind us of the natural shelter they provide and the ibis a playful icon. I wanted to provide this element for children who visited with their parents. While I was filming at the various locations, I was continually reminded of the rich flora and fauna and its benefits to my own psyche. I see the finished installation as a regenerative experience that will connect people back to nature and remind us of what’s in our own backyard.
Artwork by Sri Prabha, recipient of the 2016 South Florida Cultural Consortium Fellowship, is a multidisciplinary artist originally from Hyderabad, India. His artistic training includes Cornish College of the Arts and a Masters in Clinical Psychology. Recent works include permanent public art for the Governmental Center in Fort Lauderdale and his work is in the permanent contemporary art collection of the Orlando Museum of Art. www.sriprabha.com