News – Feb 2008
Lighting designer, Michael Cohen, is also a busy artist in the Minneapolis scene. One of his public works was commissioned by the University of Minnesota this month.
When he accepted the public art commission for the University Recreation Center, Minneapolis artist Michael Cohen unwittingly entered into a five-year journey of mishaps, lucky breaks, failed experiments and technical nightmares. Cohen moved his studio three times, dumped hundreds of dollars worth of glass that developed weird bubbles, and watched his acrylic sculpture crack from thermal expansion.
I think the committee liked the idea that I work with light and luminous pieces because it connotes energy and movement…”
Michael Cohen, Lighting Designer
“I think the committee liked the idea that I work with light and luminous pieces because it connotes energy and movement, similar to the activity going on inside the building,” said Cohen. “I chose the exterior because I felt it best served the idea of public art. It’s accessible to the most people.”
Weathering it all, Cohen last month braved a snowstorm to install his spectacular glass and light wall-hanging. Ironically titled “Pressure, Tension, Stress, Release,” the sculpture is a series of six vertical assemblies of lights covered in acrylic and molded glass panels. Individually controlled red, green and blue lights are programmed to changed under varying conditions.
After sunset, when the lights are turned on, the entire entry façade is flooded with dancing light.