VIRGA
SMART LAMPS
#ELECTRONIC-ART
#LANGUAGE-AS-MACHINE
2023
Virga is the outcome from the 2022 MFA Field Study, a collection of glowing sculptural forms made from steam-bent wood, 3D-printed connectors, LED lights and tailored fabric. The bent wood components that lend each lamp its distinctive form were designed by students and faculty from the MFA in Design program and produced during an immersive workshop with Atelier La Juntana, a teaching and fabrication facility located on the north coast of Spain. Inspired by virga cloud formations–clouds found in hot climates, characterized by trailing streaks of rain that evaporate before reaching the ground–the project invites free association, fosters reverie, and inspires imaginative speculation. The project’s kinetic installation and interactive lighting were designed and made possible by xLab.
Rab McClure with MFA Students & Faculty,
in collaboration with Atelier La Juntana
and with Levi Hammett and Haithem El Hammali of xLab
MFA in Design:
Faculty: Marco Bruno, Giovanni Innella, Stella Colaleo, Reema Abu Hassan
Students: Ayah Elnour, Gabrielle Tesfaye, Somaia Dorzadeh, Sidra Sohail, Steffi Braganza, Tasnim Rahimah, Tharwa Dalansi, Adriane de Souza, Destarte Prieto, Hind Al Saad, Mashael Almulseh, Moom Thahinah, Naima Almajdobah, Sara Alafifi
Atelier La Juntana: Daniel Gutiérrez Adán, Armor Gutiérrez Rivas, Nertos Gutiérrez Rivas
Rab McClure with MFA Students & Faculty,
in collaboration with Atelier La Juntana
and with Levi Hammett and Haithem El Hammali of xLab
MFA in Design:
Faculty: Marco Bruno, Giovanni Innella, Stella Colaleo, Reema Abu Hassan
Students: Ayah Elnour, Gabrielle Tesfaye, Somaia Dorzadeh, Sidra Sohail, Steffi Braganza, Tasnim Rahimah, Tharwa Dalansi, Adriane de Souza, Destarte Prieto, Hind Al Saad, Mashael Almulseh, Moom Thahinah, Naima Almajdobah, Sara Alafifi
Atelier La Juntana: Daniel Gutiérrez Adán, Armor Gutiérrez Rivas, Nertos Gutiérrez Rivas