Artwork in the new Gorlaeus Building: ‘Academics and artists have more in common than we think’
Leiden artist Jos Agasi gets to create the artwork for the atrium of the new Gorlaeus Building. His work was chosen from several entries and will be a real eye-catcher in the building. The artist has a fascination for light and uses it to create works of art with all kinds of materials, objects and spaces. Curious about the design? Agasi gives some first hints in this article.
Agasi is a versatile artist who collaborated with other artists to create audiovisual artworks for many years. He did so for all kinds of events and festivals in the Netherlands and abroad. His work was featured on the Concertgebouw, the Van Gogh Museum and the Frankfurt Luminale light festival, among others. Since 2019, Agasi has been on a mission to find his own voice. In his own work, he looks at light as a source for creating art in combination with all kinds of materials, objects and spaces.
Art and science in close proximity
Creating an artwork for a university building is new for Agasi. When he started thinking about a concept, he was inspired by the research environment. ‘Academics and artists have more in common than we think. Although the working methods and conceptualising new knowledge and strategies vary, both artists and scientists use their intuition, imagination and creativity in their work. I kept that in mind during the design process.’
It inspires Agasi that scientists and students in the new Gorlaeus Building are researching both the tiniest elements on Earth and the gigantic universe. ‘That research and new data not only lead to more scientific knowledge, but ultimately teaches us a lot about ourselves. This led me to a concept that incorporates this reflection: how can we look at ourselves while we are together in this big space of the atrium? What do we see around us when we look more closely? And how can we be inspired to take a new look at everything around us?’
Previous work by Jos Agasi
‘One of the works I am proud of is "On Rope" that I made in 2020 at Gallery Old School. The artwork consisted of 6.5 kilometres of rope and whung in a dark room. With projections, I illuminated the ropes very precisely, each thread individually, thus setting the whole thing in motion.’
Would you like to see more of Jos Agasi's work? Take a look at his website.
A small sneak peek
The exact look of the artwork will remain a surprise until its unveiling in spring. But the artist is already giving some hints. ‘The artwork will literally show a reflection. In addition, it will catch the light of the large atrium in the work and disperse it again in a coloured way.’
Agasi about the new building: ‘The building is light in colour, yet I feel the warmth there. The large atrium feels a bit like a town square: you can walk to it from all angles and look out from many sides. It feels like a place that is going to be cosy.’ Agasi is therefore looking forward to seeing his work hanging in the new building. ‘It is a great honour that the faculty has given me the opportunity to realise this artwork. I look forward to the moment when we can all enjoy it.’
Curious about the new building? Have a look at the video!
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Watch the video on the original website orHeader: zesxzes
Photo Jos: Leonie van der Helm
Photo of artwork: Jos Agasi