“Qi” Cloud of Vital Energy installation by Art of Space on May 2nd

During May 2nd First Friday Art Walk, Art of Space collaborating with other groups from Hammons School of Architecture will expand the “Qi” installation in the ideaXfactory.

In traditional Chinese culture, qi is the active principal part of every living being — the natural energy or life force, and can be literally translated as “breath” or “air.”

This concept forms the core of the Art of Space installation which is made of countless origami balloons, folded from paper and inflated by the breath of the participants.  The paper balloons are hung in layers from a structural grid installed across 2,000 sq. ft. of the ideaXfactory ceiling.

The collective “cloud” of breath of all the people who have contributed to the installation is a testament to the vital energy of our community. It is lit from internal LED diodes and additional external colored lighting. Some balloons bear identifying fingerprints or other personal marks made by participants using tempura paint during construction.

Members of Rare Breed and students from Drury University and Ozarks Technical College have contributed to the installation, and members of the Springfield community will be invited to learn to fold and inflate the balloons during First Friday Art Walk, May 2, 2013 from 6 -10 p.m.