When Sunshine becomes Moonlight [2023]

kinetic light sculpture, mobile

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Grand Hall of the PHIL music building, Nicky Assmann created the artwork 'When Sunshine becomes Moonlight.'
'When Sunshine becomes Moonlight' is a distinctive kinetic light installation with powerful visual impact. It takes the form of a hanging mobile, comprised of ten separate, moving, reflective elements. These whirls are illuminated with special light beams, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The movement and light are harmonized into a composition, where each element takes on its own character, culminating in an endlessly varying interaction.

The sculpture hangs in the atrium of the PHIL, where the reflective whirls of the mobile establish a relationship with the foyer and the light. During the day, it captures the ever-changing daylight through the glass ceiling, and in the evening, the sculpture casts reflections of light beams into the space: 'When Sunshine becomes Moonlight.'

Conductor, orchestra, and audience
The artwork serves as a metaphor for the conductor leading the orchestra. The conductor directs all sections, ensuring a smooth and authentic collaboration of all individual notes in the composition. In the sculpture, all separate whirls are controlled by the central motor, uniting them into a whole. An ensemble constantly in motion, preserving the individuality of its parts yet always in harmony and collaboration. The audience, similar to the concert hall, influences the work with an observational role: the body heat and thermal currents from the visitors further influence the dynamics of the separate whirls. Together, the audience undergoes an experience of continuous movement and stillness, rhythm and dynamism, playful and serious simultaneously.

Kinetic art movement
As in her other works, Assmann employs the concept of 'visual music,' music for the eyes. Her design is inspired by a long tradition of kinetic art, such as the work of sculptor Alexander Calder, the first to create mobiles seemingly unaffected by the laws of gravity. Movement is central to this art movement.

Nicky Assmann has a distinctive working method and a clear vision of her work. Assmann draws inspiration from natural and optical phenomena, creating 'visual music compositions' focused on an immersive and sensory experience. The intangible and elusive nature of light, color, and movement serves as the starting point for her spatial installations that sharpen perception. Assmann often works with highly reflective materials that, through reflections, establish a relationship with the surrounding environment. 'When Sunshine becomes Moonlight' is her second permanent work.

The artwork was developed on behalf of the Stichting Stadsschouwburg & PHIL Haarlem and was realized with the support of the Mondriaan Fonds and private donors.

The Advisory Committee, consisting of Ann Demeester, Joeri van Ommeren, Zippora Elders, Michèle Baudet, and Frits van Dongen, supported the management in the selection process.

Execution and realization by Nicky Assmann, Spectro Productions, Kunstaal, Jeroen Molenaar, IBS, TFN, and ABT.