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, stands as a striking symbol of interconnected experiences and journeys. Crafted by James, the 'Soul Map' known as Wairua, transcends mere physical presence.

Wairua exudes an air of elegance and grandeur, standing 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 breathes life into each quarter, illuminating the significance of these sacred spaces in James's personal narrative.

Installed in the Quincy Hotel lobby in Melbourne, Wairua stands as a beacon of welcome, inviting guests to contemplate the essence of existence and the timeless connections that bind us all.

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

WAIRUA