SpY reflects on the symbolism of the oculus with huge black sphere installation in spain

an enormous black sphere in spain causes a ‘blackout’

on the occasion of the international festival of ephemeral architecture ‘concéntrico 07′, urban artist SpY unveils ‘blackout’, a huge black sphere installed in the oculus of the logroño train station in spain. with this public art intervention, SpY proposes a reflection through the historical symbolism of the oculus as a window of the gods’ omnipresent observation. the piece creates a parallel at a time when the digital has gained a full presence in our lives through technological windows, establishing itself by way of surveillance, algorithmic observation, and a new predictive cybernetic order.

the exterior of the ‘blackout’ installation

all images courtesy of rubenp bescos and josema cutillas

the origin of the oculus and the symbolism of ‘blackout’

the oculus in their architectural origin had the function of windows or as a passage of light.  etymologically, the word derives from the latin expression ‘ochulos’ which literally translates as ‘eye’. in the neolithic period, it was interpreted as a symbol of the gods’ constant vigilance and attention to the actions of human beings.

with the ‘blackout’ installation, the urban artist seeks to block the vision and entry of light by occupying the entire oculus perimeter. the volume of the sphere surpasses both sides of the domed ceiling, being observable from different viewpoints of the station and the city. in this way, surveillance by gods is obstructed and now, this enormous black mass observes human life instead. the project also serves as a reminder of the current state of digital control that parameterizes our existence and which is gradually changing how humans relate.

the sphere has a 15-meter diameter

the ‘concéntrico 07’ festival

concéntrico 07 is the logroño (spain) international festival of architecture and design that annually proposes to reflect on the urban environment and the city. the festival invites visitors to tour the city through installations, exhibitions, meetings, activities and performances that create a connection between the venues, squares, streets, courtyards and hidden spaces that usually go unnoticed in their daily lives. since 2015, the festival has brought together in its five editions 73 urban installations, 42 exhibitions and talks, created by teams of national and international architects and designers who experiment with new fields of environmental design. in this way, a dialogue is established between the city, heritage and contemporary architecture that activates citizens’ reflection on these spaces. 

the giant intervention stands out from afar

the ‘blackout’ installation as seen from train station

the project reflects on the origin and symbolism of the oculus

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project info:

name: blackout
artist: SpY
location: logroño, spain
event: ‘concéntrico 07’ international festival of ephemeral architecture

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom