SHA_RE

About this artwork.

Please note: this light work is not in continuous operation

A light object by artist and designer Peter Musschenga hangs in the stairwell of the University Library. SHA_RE is an installation that makes scientific research in Groningen visible in the public space. This is done through a stream of photos, videos and texts in a grid that constantly changes shape and shape. This dynamic grid flows over a waterfall of LED panels mounted on each floor of the stairwell and extends to the ceiling above the entrance. Thousands of photos, videos and even texts from dissertations are shown of historical and current scientific research at the university.

The artwork can take on different shapes. For example, one of the cells is randomly enlarged over all floors of the stairwell, creating a meter-high image. Occasionally different cells of the grid become transparent giving a glimpse into the veins of the library through a scrolling log file showing how the catalog is searched, the beginning of much resource research. In addition, a relationship is made with the history of the site of the University Library, where the Sint-Martinus Church, which was demolished in 1982, used to be. The grid shows a strong discolouration at irregular intervals, reminiscent of the stained glass windows of the former church. The color scheme for this is based on the original stained glass windows, some of which are now in the St. Willibrordus Church in Ter Apel.

The name SHA_RE indicates the way in which the artwork was created and what it does: sharing one's own research with the artwork and the artist, sharing one's own research with colleagues and the public and sharing through the artwork of the material with the public. The underscore cuts the word in half. It gives an idea of ​​the technology behind it, 'RE' stands for 'research'.

About the assignment.

After a pitch, the Groningen University Fund (GUF) commissioned Peter Musschenga to create a light object at this location as a gift to the university celebrating its birthday. It was unveiled on 22 August 2014 at midnight (the beginning of 23 August, the 400th anniversary of the University of Groningen).

Facts & Figures.

• Design
  Peter Musschenga

• District
  Centrum

• Year of creation
  2014

• Art type
  Art in / on a building, Light artwork

• Material
  LED-lighting