“Cones” is a site-specific installation of hundreds of traffic cones wrapped around the front columns of the Aula Academica at Ghent University. The intervention alters the building’s assumed solemnity through an unconventional and thornily subversive aesthetic re-envisioning of its front.
Working from the appropriation of an everyday urban element, the piece takes over the building to create unexpected and intrusive, yet playful encounters for viewers. During the night the cones glow, adding a layer of transformation to the experience of the street space.
In "Cones”, "SpY" continue exploring new monumental formats that involve new concepts, dialogues, processes and tools, as well as new ways to spark reflections through a variety of artistic strategies.
SpY is known for his personal use of elements of the urban landscape in his artistic projects. In his hands, objects that we see every day fulfilling functions of direction and control are transformed into tools for formal play, and a vehicle for unforeseen meanings.
In "Cones”, he continue exploring new monumental formats that involve new concepts, dialogues, processes and tools, as well as new ways to spark reflections through a variety of artistic strategies.
"SpY" often works in the creation of new forms using ordinary objects. He takes an element from daily life or from today’s imagery, something everybody has seen, knows and takes for granted, then it multiplies and arranges it in an unprecedented pattern. Creating a novel situation for the viewer and sparks an intriguing first impression.
"Cones" open the program of Lichtfestival Ghent 2023. During its month and a half of exhibition it has been replicated on social networks by thousands of people who have visited the Aula Academica building of Ghent University to discover the work in its day and night state.
