Visible Invisible
An illuminating look at the life and work of Helen Pashgian, a groundbreaking artist of the Light and Space movement.
When I arrived at Helen Pashgian’s studio in Pasadena, I was ushered into a large, dark room, to view one of her latest pieces. The lights began to rise — slowly, almost imperceptibly — revealing what at first glance appeared to be a glowing orb of light but was, in fact, a sculpture crafted from layer upon layer of a highly toxic resin.
As I experienced this sculpture, which Helen calls a “lens,” I felt my thoughts quieting down. The hustle and bustle of Los Angeles slipped away, leaving in its place: Wonder. Where does the sculpture end, and its surroundings begin? Is the faint blue glow dancing around the edges of the sculpture just a trick of my eyes? How might I endeavor to capture this experience on camera?
To me, that’s the magic of Helen’s work: It asks you to wonder. To stop and experience for a moment. To take a closer look at the microcosm of a world she’s created in each shining sphere of resin.
Made in collaboration with LACMA, this film celebrates Helen Pashgian’s technical ingenuity and profound contributions to contemporary art in Southern California.
As I experienced this sculpture, which Helen calls a “lens,” I felt my thoughts quieting down. The hustle and bustle of Los Angeles slipped away, leaving in its place: Wonder. Where does the sculpture end, and its surroundings begin? Is the faint blue glow dancing around the edges of the sculpture just a trick of my eyes? How might I endeavor to capture this experience on camera?
To me, that’s the magic of Helen’s work: It asks you to wonder. To stop and experience for a moment. To take a closer look at the microcosm of a world she’s created in each shining sphere of resin.
Made in collaboration with LACMA, this film celebrates Helen Pashgian’s technical ingenuity and profound contributions to contemporary art in Southern California.