Mirrored Steel Sculpture Creates an Interactive Luminous Forest in Hanoi

43 minutes ago7 min read

A stunning public art installation has transformed a space in central Hanoi into a 'luminous forest,' crafted not from organic matter but from a circle of mirror-polished steel branches. Created by artist Tia Thuy Nguyen, the sculpture acts as a dynamic, responsive canvas that integrates the environment into its artistic expression.The highly reflective steel surfaces are designed to interact continuously with their surroundings. Throughout the day, the sculpture undergoes a visual metamorphosis: the gentle morning light paints it with soft gold hues, while the intense midday sun creates sharp, dramatic contrasts of light and shadow.The piece also engages with Hanoi's distinct weather patterns. It mirrors the vast blue of a clear sky, adopts a solemn grey tone under monsoon clouds, and captures the fleeting, shimmering trails of individual raindrops.This transformative quality elevates the work beyond a static object, creating an immersive experience that recalls the environmental art of Olafur Eliasson or the reflective public works of Anish Kapoor. However, Nguyen's installation is distinctly rooted in the context of Hanoi, offering a moment of contemplative pause amidst the city's vibrant chaos.It redefines public art by encouraging active participation from viewers, who see themselves and the urban landscape reflected and recontextualized. The sculpture's form, which feels both organic and precisely engineered, showcases how parametric modeling and AI-augmented design can be used to create art that is deeply responsive rather than mechanically cold. By holding a mirror to the city and its inhabitants, the 'luminous forest' renews our perception of the everyday, demonstrating the power of creative technology to foster wonder and connection in public spaces.

#featured

#public art

#installation

#sculpture

#mirror

#steel

#forest

#Hanoi

#Tia Thuy Nguyen

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