Ethan Samaha
Follow
Artist Statement
- Hannah Stouffer
Through the use of minimal installations, I delve into the phenomenology of light as a material. The presence and absence of light within space and the interaction of the viewer are explored.
Informed by light color theory and historical theatrical colorways, I assemble neon in clusters to create immersive installations that explore architectural space. Each environment bathes the viewer in saturated color and light. The experience of the installation differs amongst audience members in terms of color and depth perception, but will also change as the participant navigates throughout the space.
My work pushes the boundaries of perception in the physical space, increasing spatial awareness. The duality of dramatic saturated environments and their subdued counterparts confronts the individuals’ understanding of light and space.
![Nine clear tubes pumped neon mercury each five feet tall. Shifting from red to a light blue light. Hung vertically on a white wall. Each tube is spaced three inches apart from each other across a span of two feet.](_images/01_ethansamaha-660x440.jpg)
+++++++++ (left [fading in]) // Glass, neon/mercury, Ventex Transformers // Dimensions variable.
![Nine clear tubes pumped neon mercury, hung vertically on a white wall. Each tube is spaced three inches apart from each other across a span of two feet horizontally. The light from the tubes is filling the entire space in a light blue light.](_images/02_ethansamaha-660x443.jpg)
+++++++++ (left [aged in]) // Glass, neon/mercury, Ventex transformers // Dimension variable.
![Nine blue tubes pumped argon mercury, hung horizontally on a white wall. Each tube is spaced three inches apart from each other across a span of two feet vertically. The light from the tubes is filling the entire space in a blue light.](_images/03_ethansamaha-660x442.jpg)
+++++++++ (right) // Glass, argon/mercury, Ventex transformers // Dimensions variable.
![A single dim violet line of argon, hung on a wall in a dark room.](_images/04_ethansamaha-660x440.jpg)
——————— // Glass, argon, Ventex transformer // 1 x 52 x 1 inches
![Five yellow tubes suspended from the ceiling using chain and custom 3d printed parts. The yellow light is filling the entire room.](_images/05_ethansamaha-660x988.jpg)
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Glass, argon/mercury, yellow chain, steel chain, 3D printed parts, Ventex transformer // 100 x 52 x 1 inches
![Installation view of Yellow, Yellow, Yellow, Yellow, Yellow and Magenta Raspberry. The room is mostly filled with yellow light with a hint of purple light coming from Magenta Raspberry.](_images/06_ethansamaha-660x440.jpg)
installation view of
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
and Magenta Raspberry // Glass, argon/mercury, neon, chain, Ventex transformers // Dimensions variable
![A cluster of eight foot long neon tubes hanging from the ceiling, eight inches off the ground. The cluster is suspended for the ceiling using red chain. Producing an intense red light within the room.](_images/07_ethansamaha-660x440.jpg)
Red
Red Red
Clear
Glass, neon, red chain, 3D printed tube clips, Ventex transformer // 108 x 96 x 24 inches
![Detail of the slightly bent tube in Red, Red, Red, Clear.](_images/08_ethansamaha-660x440.jpg)
detail of
Red
Red Red
Clear
Glass, neon, red chain, 3D printed tube clips, Ventex transformer // 108 x 96 x 24 inches
![Three tubes hung on the wall using custom tube supports. Filling the space with green light.](_images/09_ethansamaha-660x444.jpg)
Green Red Green // Glass, argon, argon/mercury, neon, 3d printed tube supports, transformer
![Install view of ——————— and ============. ============ is placed on a polished concrete floor, reflecting a violet light within the darkened room.](_images/10_ethansamaha-660x440.jpg)
installation shot of
———————
and
============
// Glass, argon, 3D printed tube support, Ventex transformer