top of page

Catching the Equinox

by John David Mooney

​

Santiago de Compostela, Spain
September 18 – 22, 2017

Chicago's John David Mooney to create art installation in Spain 

CHICAGO: John David Mooney, Chicago artist and director of the John David Mooney Foundation, will travel to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, to present a monumental light installation “Catching the Equinox” on Sept. 19 during INSAP X, the international conference and joint-meeting between INSAP (Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena, SEAC — the European Society for Astronomy in Culture — and Oxford XI) taking place in Santiago de Compostela Sept. 18-23, 2017. 

​

LuminAID's solar-powered lanterns will light "Catching the Equinox."

​

“I have always wanted to walk ‘el camino’ to Santiago de Compostela. This invitation allows for that opportunity, except, I will be flying in instead of walking.” Mooney will be traveling to Santiago de Compostela with supporting artists from his studio in Chicago.

​

“El camino” refers to the centuries old walking pilgrimage across France and Spain to Santiago de Compostela, the capital city of Galicia, where tradition holds St. James, the Apostle, is buried. Tens of thousands of people travel “el camino” each year. 

​

Mooney is an internationally recognized sculptor and environmental artist with public sculptures and temporary sculptural works all over the world — including the Adler Planetarium in Chicago and the Vatican Observatory in Castle Gandolfo, Italy, the pope’s summer home.

​

Mooney takes a multi-disciplinary approach to art, incorporating architecture, urban planning, and history into his work. As an artist, he has made light his signature, using unconventional light sources as bold sculptural elements.

​

“Catching the Equinox” will occupy the 10,000 sq. ft. courtyard of the University of Santiago de Compostela’s Faculty of Geography and History. Capturing astronomy, mythology and the historical symbolism of the site, Mooney’s design will include 1,100 solar-powered lanterns designed by LuminAID. 

​

LuminAID and their products work to make light accessible for all by partnering with charitable organizations around the world to distribute solar lights to those without electricity. 

​

“Catching the Equinox” opens in the courtyard of the Faculty of Geography and History, the University of Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain, on Sept. 19, at 7:30 p.m. 

​

###

 

About John David Mooney Foundation: 

For over 40 years, the John David Mooney Foundation has operated as a true laboratory -- one which combines the vision of the founding artist with the talent, energy and ambition of countless helping hands. The Mooney Foundation functions as a multidisciplinary workshop which not only produces the work of John David Mooney, but also exhibits international art, hosts educational events and engages with the Chicago community. Visit mooneyfoundation.org

​

About LuminAID: 

When we think of our most basic human needs, we often think of food, water and shelter. Without safe light, families struggle to complete basic household activities, children can’t read or study at home, and overall productive hours are drastically cut for communities trying to rebuild. Available alternatives tend to be kerosene lanterns and diesel generators which are costly, dangerous, and release toxic fumes. Although often overlooked, safe light is a crucial supply in disaster relief efforts worldwide. In response, LuminAID solar lanterns that are easily distributed by aid organizations, highly versatile, and durable even in disaster recovery environments. In response to the growing need for versatile energy access and mobile connectivity, LuminAID recently introduced a solar phone charging element to their newest lantern. 

​

Through LuminAID’s Give Light, Get Light program, customers can purchase a LuminAID light for themselves and sponsor another one to be distributed by one of LuminAID’s charitable partners. Over 100,000 lights have been provided to those in need through the support of the Give Light, Get Light program, and LuminAID lights are in use in over 100 countries around the world. Visit luminaid.com.

Contact: 

​

Barbara Jones

​

+1 (312) 822-0483  

​

jdmstudio@jdmf.org

Sebastian Agignoae 

​

+1 (815) 582-7381 

​

sagignoae@luc.edu

114 West Kinzie Street,   Chicago IL   60654     .     ( 312 ) 822 - 0483     .     jdmstudio@jdmf.org

  • Black Facebook Icon
  • Black Twitter Icon
  • Black Instagram Icon

© 2016 by The John David Mooney Foundation. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page