Materiality as Storytelling

This theme explores how materials carry narratives that connect past and present histories. Whether through organic fibers, reclaimed wood, or light installations, materials are not inert—they are active participants in shaping our understanding of identity, culture, and power. Artists like Rebecca Beachy , Dakota Mace , and Luftwerk use materials to tell stories of ecological interconnectedness, cultural memory, and technological evolution. Their works challenge anthropocentric views of history, emphasizing the collaborative processes between humans and non-human agents.

Contribution to Materialities

For the Materialities exhibition, Luftwerk created Konstellation , a thought-provoking installation that reimagines the Nickerson Mansion’s electrical history through the lens of materiality and celestial inspiration. The work transforms materials like copper, wood, and Cor-Ten steel into poetic narratives about architecture, history, and continuity. By incorporating lightbulbs—a nod to domestic lighting—and arranging them in patterns reminiscent of constellations, Luftwerk draws parallels between the intimate scale of home and the vastness of the cosmos. The installation highlights the interplay between domestic lighting and astral bodies, symbolizing humanity’s enduring quest for connection and understanding across time and space. Through this work, Luftwerk reflects on how technological advancements in lighting have shaped cultural narratives and influenced our perception of the world around us.

Luftwerk’s work is deeply rooted in the idea of transformation—of spaces, materials, and perceptions. They often use light as both a medium and a metaphor, exploring its ability to alter environments and evoke emotional responses. Their installations are not static; they evolve over time, responding to the architecture and audience interaction. In Materialities , Luftwerk’s contribution exemplifies how contemporary art can reinterpret historical contexts. By blending the tangible (materials like steel and wood) with the intangible (light and space), they create a bridge between the Gilded Age opulence of the Nickerson Mansion and modern artistic expressions.