The UK artist Bruce Munro has created many solo exhibitions in the United States. Visit his website to see his latest exhibitions. When interviewed, Munro discusses how life is about telling stories. Bruce tells his stories in immersive large-scale light-based installations as a way to express ideas and feelings and communicate connection. He wishes his art to bring a feeling of joy and measures success as making others smile. I certainly smiled and felt joy seeing his art at the "Forest of Light" exhibition at the Atlanta Garden.
From my parking spot, I walked through Piedmont Park and enjoyed the sights and sounds of music and laughter at the local festival. I wanted to arrive early to the light event, seeing it both in daylight and darkness. Considering the exhibition included six pieces, I had a lot of ground to cover.
I was mesmerized by his piece utilizing lights in clear plastic soda bottles. Arranged as circular towers, the light took height. The lights would change from one primary color to another. To add to the magic, you could see the Atlanta skyline from a distance.
The garden canopy, my favorite piece, consisted of 30,000 flower-like stems that lit up on the ground. The light moved and made the garden feel like a fairy-tale. The frosted glass orbs and fiber optic lights pulsated and made me want to stay in the garden. I'd walk back and forth, across the bridges to keep myself immersed in the lighted space.
Bruce Monro began as a painter. He recognized painting as being about light and light as a way to discovery. Many public gardens will bring exhibits to their grounds to display art. I encourage you to discover these special exhibitions. Check out your local garden events pages and immerse yourself in a joyful place.
