Pimennys - Eclipse, Finland

At the heart of the work Pimennys (Eclipse) is the idea of contrast, especially the opposing natures of the Sun and the Moon. These two celestial bodies represent pairs of opposites such as warmth and cold, day and night, and light and shadow. Their relationship creates tension, but also balance.

An eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align and one body moves in front of another. The artwork does not depict the moment of total eclipse. Instead, it focuses on the moments of transition, when a celestial body is entering or leaving alignment. Light and shadow are both present, and change happens gradually. As the viewer moves around the sculptures, the visible illuminated surface changes, reflecting the shifting phases of an eclipse.

The installation consists of two concrete sculptures. One represents the Sun and is finished in an umber tone. The other represents the Moon and has a copper patina surface. The contrast between the two is created through material and color rather than form. Both sculptures are lit in the same way and with equal intensity.

Each sculpture uses only two luminaires. One luminaire illuminates the front surface of the sculpture and is concealed behind a mirror-polished stainless steel plate. The second is a gobo projector placed behind the form, housed within a small cubic element, projecting a precisely framed circular light onto the rear surface. This projector produces sharp, clear shadows and is concealed inside a cubic element that is part of the sculpture itself. The cube hides the technical equipment while remaining visually calm and intentional.

The low-angle rear light creates an inviting surface for shadow play. Visitors, especially children, can interact with the work by moving between the light and the surface, creating silhouettes that change with movement. This interaction brings a human scale to the cosmic theme.

Through restrained means, Pimennys expresses complexity without excess. With solid material, limited light sources, and controlled color, the work presents the eclipse as a moment of transition rather than an extreme event. The installation can be experienced intuitively and does not require prior knowledge. It invites viewers to observe light, shadow, and form in a simple, clear, and open way.