Artist- Yichih Wang

Artist: Yichih Wang

Exhibition: Metal Group Show

Media: Metal

Instagram: @Yichih_W

Graduate student Yichih Wang is working for her MFA in metal and jewelry at California State University Long Beach. The artist really enjoys making jewelry and most of her pieces are made of metal. The piece that I saw was in the metal group show at the student galleries. It was pendant light that had cutouts of shapes of many things. it was very interesting to me as I never see a light with the intention to represent something.

The pendant wasn’t very large, probably a foot in diameter. The color was bronze on the outside shell but the inside looked more yellow. Perhaps it appeared to be yellow because of the light inside. The power cord was connected to a square that then connected to the cylindrical shell of the light. Based on my first observations I saw clouds and what appeared to be wind. Also, due to the light inside the cutout shapes illuminated on to the nearest wall.

Asking what the artist wanted to explore with the piece. The light was the representation of the sun and the many things it illuminates around it. Many times when looking at the sun many see clouds floating. While the sun illuminates mostly the ocean it shines based on the waters reflection. Asking where the artist where they draw inspiration. It became more evident when looking at the artist’s Instagram that a big inspiration for their pieces is nature. From birds, leaves and clouds nature is a big inspiration.

It was a very interesting use of a light. For millions of years the only source of light was the sun. Now it is not very much appreciated because we are able to create our own lights. But for many years it has been vital to mother nature in so many ways. I believe that this pendant light is a very beautiful and unique way of expressing that. It resonated with me because as humans we don’t appreciate nature because of our technology. But if it weren’t for nature their would be no technology for the humans to create.