“Impulse” Seesaws at Grounds For Sculpture
INTERACTIVE ART PLAYGROUND: “Impulse,” a new installation at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, features 15 giant seesaws that, once in motion, produce a harmonious sequence of sounds and lights. It will be at GFS from June 11-July 9. The above photo shows “Impulse” at Leicester Square Gardens in London, as part of the Pause and Play Festival. (Photo by James Munson)
Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) is featuring “Impulse,” a new installation at the 42-acre sculpture park comprised of 15 giant see-saws that will transform the southern end of the Great Lawn into a vast, illuminated interactive art playground.
“Impulse” will be at GFS for one month only, and will be open to the public from June 11-July 9. This special installation is part of GFS’s ongoing 25th anniversary pop-up events. Extended hours until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings will allow guests to enjoy the full spectacle that “Impulse” provides after dark.
“Impulse” debuted in Montreal in the Quartier des Spectacles in 2015 during Luminotherapie, an annual winter festival showcasing technological, artistic, and cultural innovations, and inspired by Montrealers’ love of outdoor play — regardless of the weather. It was created by architect Lola Sheppard and lighting designer Conner Sampson, with sound design by Mitchell Akiyama.
“‘Impulse’ will add new dimensions of fun for visitors of all ages,” says GFS Executive Director Gary Schneider. “We’re thrilled to host such a dynamic and interactive art installation, and to be able to offer our guests that much more reason to visit the sculpture park after dark.”
To activate the giant illuminated and sound-producing seesaws, visitors sit astride them like any other seesaw. Once in motion, the built-in lights and speakers produce a harmonious sequence of sounds and lights, resulting in a constantly evolving ephemeral composition.
“Impulse” has been on view internationally in London, Brussels, and Lugano, and in the United States in Scottsdale, Baltimore, and Chicago. After departing GFS, it will travel to Jerusalem, Detroit, and Calgary. For more information, visit www.groundsforsculpture.org.
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