Interview with an Artist: Rob Ley
Amazon, famously obsessed with its customers, is a master in curating the user experience. That mentality influenced the design of its HQ2 at Metropolitan Park in Arlington, VA, where a rich public art program engages the senses and sparks the curiosity of Amazonians and passersby alike. Hidden art pieces and grand installations permeate the site, creating moments of discovery and delight at every turn. Along the grand stairs in HQ2’s two main lobbies, immersive installations by Los Angeles-based artist Rob Ley conjure a kaleidoscopic wonder that reflects and responds to the surrounding space. ZGF sat down with Rob to explore the making of “Silver Lining”.
How did you get started as an artist?
“Growing up, my father was a woodworker, photographer, and sewer, inspiring me to make things with my hands from a young age. When I got older, I decided to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s in architecture. In my seventh year of school, I started meeting artists that were working in the public realm, on a much larger scale than the paintings and gallery sized sculptures I was aware of. The idea of public art, as a practice that I could devote myself to, didn’t show up on my radar until later. Once I graduated, I was offered the opportunity to work for a public artist, Cliff Garten. I thought it would be a temporary position, but I stayed for three years and then eventually opened my own studio in 2005.”
What was it like to collaborate with ZGF and the client?
“I was contacted directly by Brian Earle, ZGF Principal, who discovered me through Amazon’s art consultant. ZGF had identified the desire for an installation on the lobby walls and presented me with a loose framework. The client also expressed aspirations for the artwork to be public and interactive, which heavily informed the ultimate design. The team was open-minded to my ideas and hands-off in allowing me to work, which was really great.”
What was the inspiration for “Silver Lining”?
“When creating this design, I wanted to stretch the definition of “interactive” and conjured the idea for a piece that would perform constantly by absorbing and reflecting its environment. This inspired the decision to create a mirrored installation. As people move through the space, that activity is reflected. I also asked myself “How do I make an art piece for one of the biggest package companies in the world?”. This inspired the origami forms of the individual mirrors – I wanted to represent that staple experience of opening and folding Amazon packages.”
Can you describe the materials used in the piece?
“The piece is comprised of polished aluminum to give that mirrored effect. Aluminum is lightweight and easy to manipulate but also thick enough to invite people to touch and interact with it. I also wanted to ensure that the piece wouldn’t feel dated in 10 or 20 years. If you look at old aircrafts from the 1950’s made of polished aluminum, they somehow appear futuristic, despite being historic. That shiny materiality always conveys a timeless look.”
How is an installation like this created?
“The installation was conceptualized and designed in our in-house software and 3D modeling system, which allowed us to study and analyze the light and movement patterns of the environment. This resulted in deliberate choices for the size and direction of each individual mirror. Once the design was finalized, we used machinery from our in-house wood and metal shops to cut, bend, and shape each piece.”
What does the title “Silver Lining” mean?
“In some ways it’s literal, describing the silver coloration of the mirrors. But it’s also metaphorical. A silver lining is when you start to see sunlight highlight the edge of a grey cloud after a storm. It’s optimism and I liked the idea of happiness existing in the edges of this piece.”
How do you hope people feel when they see this art?
“I actually wasn’t sure what I was going to feel when I saw it completed. When I did, I noticed the reflections of people and bikers allowed all these colors to come through that I didn’t expect. As the sun and clouds moved throughout the day, the piece changed. Since the people who see this installation are Amazon employees who come in and out every day, I hope this piece can be a constantly changing image for them to continue to get excited about over the years, rather than something that fades into the ambiance.”
See more of Rob’s work here: https://www.rob-ley.com/
Learn more about Amazon's HQ2 at Metropolitan Park here: https://www.zgf.com/work/1847-amazon-jbg-smith-hq2-at-met-park
Interview with an Artist: Kirsten Hassenfeld
Amazon / Seneca Group, Amazon Visitor Landing
