James Russ

MY LIGHTING DESIGNS ARE INSPIRED BY MY DEEP IMMERSION IN NEW ZEALAND’S NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.

2020

The Wairua sculpture, embodying the spirit and soul of a person beyond life, standing as a symbol of interconnected experiences and journeys. Handcrafted by James, the 'Soul Map' known as Wairua, transcends mere physical presence.

Wairua stands proudly as a large 1.8m diameter luxury wall sculpture. Composed of beaten brass and textured cast glass, it represents the various places and bodies of water that have shaped James's being. The play of light through perforations illuminates the significance of these special spaces in James's personal narrative.

Installed in the Quincy Hotel lobby in Melbourne, Australia

Read about James’ journey and the process behind designing and creating the Wairua in Architecture Now

Materials used: Brass sheet, hand cast glass
Light Source: LED strip lighting

WAIRUA