Ned Kahn

Artist Ned Kahn explores the transformations of wind, water, fire, earth, and other elements. He employs artistic methods to present the concept of self, allowing people to understand the workings of the self within the beauty of nature.

When you look at the sky, the atmosphere appears vast, creating the impression that it is too thick to be disrupted. However, this misunderstanding significantly impacts the ecological environment. By demonstrating just how thin the air actually is, we can shift our relationship with the atmosphere from indifference to stewardship. This could lead to a profound and meaningful intervention in this space. 

Our Qidong workshop worked with Kahn to suspend ‘Ripples’, a 16-metre-diameter stainless steel ring above the square, which is connected to three poles. This ring is supported by 144 fine cables—144 is a Fibonacci number (F(12)), and aside from 1, it is the only proven perfect square in the Fibonacci sequence.

Ned Kahn's "Ripples": An Artistic Exploration of Nature's Elements

Looking down at the square below feels like gazing up from space at Earth's turbulent yet beautiful atmosphere, reminiscent of a flowing breeze. An intricate web of wires will hang over the rings, incorporating wind elements that float gracefully. These dynamic elements and wire meshes will resemble curved glass or clear, sparkling water. Inspired by the naturally flowing bubble springs, patterns of moving light and shadow will dance through this layer of tulle, filtering out harsh sunlight and filling the space with a soothing ambience. This artwork will serve as a visual meta-theory, illustrating the delicate and stunning nature of our ever-flowing atmosphere.