Joyce Wang
Swarovski crystal house has collaborated with acclaimed interior designer Joyce Wang on a lighting installation unveiled at Art Central and held during Art Basel Hong Kong from 14-16 March.
Incorporating Swarovski crystals in a visually and emotionally captivating piece that explores light and space, Oculus is inspired by an ancient Roman and Byzantine architecture feature that allowed the elements to enter through an opening in the dome.
Wang is known for her architectural approach to interior design, incorporating different materials into her work and transforming traditional elements into modern creations. While lighting design has always been an integral element in her work, this exciting collaboration with Swarovski has offered her the opportunity to redefine the traditional concept of the crystal chandelier.
“I am honoured to collaborate with Swarovski on this project which has allowed me to explore my passion for spatial and lighting design through an installation using crystals,” said Wang. “Lighting is the most important element within interior design and to have the opportunity to isolate it, explore it and capture it in this project has been truly rewarding.”
Just as the Oculus bridges the inside with the outside world, Wang has created a poetic installation in which refractions and reflections dance through space as light penetrates the crystalline inner structure of an egg-shaped silhouette. The simplicity of the design’s seamless exterior is juxtaposed with the striking shapes of 60 20cm crystal spikes and 300 crystal chatons within the structure, which emit an unexpected kaleidoscope of light.
Art Central is a new event in the Art Week calendar aiming to showcase the next generation of talent alongside established contemporary galleries and art spaces from around the globe. Timed to complement Art Basel Hong Kong, Art Central firmly cements the city as one of the world’s leading art hubs.
Commenting on the collaboration Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, said: “We are delighted to partner with Art Central for its inaugural show, and to present Oculus by Joyce Wang, a young designer who is making a real impact through her mastery of light and space. Art Central is a welcome addition to the city’s amazingly vibrant art scene, providing a platform for some of the most exciting talents from Asia Pacific and beyond, and cementing Hong Kong Art Week’s reputation as a key destination on the international art calendar.”
The collaboration between Swarovski and Wang forms part of the crystal house’s ongoing programme of support for emerging talents in art and design. Offering a new perspective into the unique nature of light and space through the innovative use of Swarovski crystals, the installation will be enclosed in a specially designed circular structure.
