Looking at light in 'the city that lit the world' by killing whales

Photo kinetic grid by Soo Sunny Park at the Massachusetts Design Art and Technology Institute ( DATMA ) , at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth Star Store Campus, in downtown New Bedford

This is part of an examination of New Bedford’s legacy as the “city that lit the world” with oil from the whales its whalers killed, in a brutal business.

DATMA says: The Park exhibit is a “site-specific light installation with reflective silver mirrors embedded in welded chain link fencing emitting light and colorful rainbows generated by camera-projector cycles. This project is visible from the street and sidewalks through the building’s floor to ceiling glass gallery windows.’’

New Bedford ‘Kinetic Grid’

“Kinetic Grid Over New Bedford,’’ by Bobby Baker. Copyright Bobby Baker Fine Art.

Artist note: “What may appear to be a double-exposure image is really just the artist seizing the opportunity to create a piece featuring both the unique art exhibit, ‘Kinetic Grid,’ and New Bedford architecture all in one space. This piece was created using late-day light and what would normally be considered bothersome reflections in the glass store front surrounding the exquisite work of artist of Soo Sunny Park. The distinct reflections are that of the building across Union Street, on the corner of Purchase Street.’’