Catching the Equinox
by John David Mooney
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
September 2017
Catching the Equinox by John David Mooney in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Chicago’s John David Mooney, Artistic Director of the John David Mooney Foundation, is in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, installing his light piece “Catching the Equinox”. The ongoing piece is running through the Autumnal Equinox. Each night the light piece evolves and shifts colors providing a night audience a unique experience, adding to the importance of capturing a moment in time.
The installation is being presented as a featured art piece at the joint meeting of three scientific conferences entitled “Road to the Stars” that specifically focus on Astronomy, astronomical phenomena and associated disciplines. Catching the Equinox reflects today’s extraordinary interest and curiosity about Astronomy.
John David Mooney’s installation has drawn students from the University of Santiago de Compostela, who have jumped in to help transition and install the day and night piece, assisting the five Chicago studio team members who have traveled to Santiago de Compostela.
The daytime piece catches the shadows that appear throughout the day. Specifically the shadows of the gnomon which mark the solar noon as well as two hours before and after. These markers are then illuminated at night. As the day progresses the sun charges LuminAID's solar-powered lanterns which then begin to glow to create a spectacular night piece.
Mooney is an internationally recognized sculptor and environmental artist whose public art celebrates the history, location and mythology of the site and its surroundings. His works are located all over the world, including at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, and the Vatican Observatory in Castle Gandolfo, Italy, which was executed for the first INSAP (Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena) conference.
Mooney takes a multi-disciplinary approach to art and is known for using unconventional components in his public works. This marks the first time that LuminAID lanterns have been used in an artwork. These lanterns (invented by a Chicago firm) are normally made in partnership with charitable organizations to which distribute lights to those without electricity.
Catching the Equinox occupies the 10,000 sq. ft. courtyard of the University of Santiago de Compostela., the design includes 1,100 solar-powered lanterns.
Photos upon request.
For more information about LuminAID lanterns, visit www.luminaid.com
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About John David Mooney Foundation:
The John David Mooney Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 public educational arts organization located in Chicago, IL. For over 40 years, The Foundation has operated as an interdisciplinary laboratory offering collaborative workshops, a public venue, and a working archive. With a focus on international art and artists, the Foundation provides free public exhibitions, lectures and educational seminars throughout the year. The Internship and Apprenticeship program focuses on providing artists with the opportunity to create new works, gain exposure, and develop leadership qualities. For more information visit www.mooneyfoundation.org
September 15, 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.
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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.