Page 19 - David Bermant Foundation

the collection“This work was originally noisy, raw, and wild. David enjoyed that when this work was turned ‘on’ people jumped back with surprise. Later on, we made an updateto that design and the work became quieter and less threatening.”—Alejandro SiñaALEJANDRo SIÑA Spinning Shaft 1978 67”H x 128”W x 37”DAleJAndro & MoirA SiÑAALEJANDRO & MOIRA SIÑA create kinetic lightworks that use electricity, glass, and luminous gases. Their work (much of it made for architectural and public spaces) requires viewer participation ranging from pressing a switch to clapping hands to simply touching an artwork to activate the light. Alejandro developed a new technique for using neon that eliminates bulky wiring apparatus and power supplies, which allowsthe neon to be put into motion. A native of Chile, Alejandro came to the United States on a Fulbright Scholarship in 1973 to continue his work as a Research Fellow at MIT’s Center for Advanced Visual Studies. After the Fulbright grant, he was invited by MIT to continue as a Fellow, totaling six years at MIT. He and his wife Moira have worked as a team since 1978.18