Sphere of Influence / Spheres of Influence 1988

This is Lita Albuquerque's "Sphere of Influence," an installation that uses geometric forms to explore perception and space. The installation is constructed with a minimalist approach. The room is defined by its stark white walls and floor, setting a pristine stage for Albuquerque's arrangement. Dominating the scene are the golden rectangular panels that frame the back and sides of the space, creating a visual rhythm with their verticality. In the foreground, a large, rough-textured sphere sits centrally, contrasting with a tiny metallic sphere placed directly in front of it. The contrast in size and texture draws our eye, prompting reflection on scale and materiality. Albuquerque's choices challenge conventional perspective, creating a sense of infinite space within the confines of the room. The golden panels and spheres evoke a sense of the sublime, inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay between the finite and the infinite. This interplay destabilizes our understanding of space, turning it into a field of limitless possibility.