Nancy Davidson

Hive

Jan 30, 2020-May 16, 2021

Krannert Museum in Champaign, IL

At the Krannert Museum in Champaign, IL, a captivating installation called Hive utilized the museum's classical portico architecture to create an awe-inspiring display. The installation featured two enormous multi-breasted inflated forms that pay homage to Artemis of Ephesus. The intricate braids of caryatids, women-shaped structural supports for ancient Greek, Roman, and later classicizing architecture, also play a prominent role in the sculptures. These caryatids represent young women who hold ritual dances for the goddess Artemis.

The sculptures come alive with an LED lighting program that engenders a stunning dialogue between the two sisters in light and color. This is reminiscent of the Acropolis at twilight mixed with code and signals. The pavilion is illuminated inside and out with dramatic lighting, making it a public artwork that cannot be missed. Hive is a site-specific installation created in collaboration with Lakshmi Ramgopal, a sound artist. She produced sounds referencing breathing, whispering, and laughter that filled the space with an otherworldly ambiance. Ramgopal's compositions feature vocalizations focusing on bodily breath. A computer algorithm randomizes the sound files to continuously generate a new experience for visitors.

Hive was curated by Amy L. Powell and Clara Bosak-Schroeder, and fabricated at Landmark Creations. A Pi computer controls the installation that consists of two inflatables 18 feet tall, fabric, LED lighting, electronic wiring, blowers, wire, and weights. Niles Fromm designed the lighting.