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Forbidden Transitions

Artist Bill Parker (American, born 1953)

Artist/Maker Bill Parker (American, born 1953)

CultureAmerican

Date1987

MediumGlass and electricity

DimensionsOverall: 55 1/2 x 18 5/8 in. (141 x 47.2 cm)
Base: 20 5/8 x 20 5/8 in. (52.3 x 52.3 cm)

InscribedSigned on pedestal base: Bill Parker, Forbidden Transitions

Credit LineGift of the family of Joel B. Cooper, in memory of Mary and Dudley Cooper

Object number2002.26.9

Not on view

DescriptionThis is a large glass sphere on a black pedestal. It is composed of combination gases within the glass sphere and electricity. This sculpture uses light, combination gases, and electricity to create an interactive sculpture. The visitor's touch creates a purple-pink lightening field that extends from the sculpture's core to the edge of the globe. Since everyone's electromagnetic energy is different, so is the light that the sculpture generates. Parker's sculpture is completed by each visitor's unique interaction with it.

Label TextBill Parker American (b. 1952) Forbidden Transitions, 1987 Glass, combination gases, and electricity In memory of Mary and Dudley Cooper from the family of Joel B. Cooper 2002.26.9 ~ In the 1980s sculptor Bill Parker was one of many artists working in new media. In Forbidden Transitions he uses a combination of gases and electricity to create a unique, interactive sculpture. Watch as its waves of light twinkle, pulsate, and glow. Parker's sculpture is completed solely by the viewer's unique interaction with it. So though the Museum asks that you refrain from touching other works of art on view, we invite you now to place your hand gently on the sculpture's glass globe. Your hand will create a purple-pink lightening field that extends from the sculpture's core to the edge of the globe. Since each person's electromagnetic energy field is different, the light that the sculpture generates will differ as well. ProvenanceThis artwork was commissioned by Joel B. Cooper, Norfolk, Va., 1987-2002; Gift in memory of Mary and Dudley Cooper from the family of Joel B. Cooper to Chrysler Museum of Art, 2002. Exhibition History"The Bold 1980s: A Collector's Vision," Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Va., March 19 - October, 2003.