In this talk, we explore the captivating world of light as a medium for artistic expression through the lens of art and technology with Iole Alessandrini, an artist known for her innovative work with light. Light, though intangible, plays a fundamental role in our perception of the world and can transcend the boundaries of traditional art mediums. Iole’s journey into the realm of light as an artistic medium is a tale of inspiration, mentorship, and an unquenchable thirst for understanding this elusive yet ever-present phenomenon. Iole’s recent Arctic expedition with her Laser Plane Photography brings yet an original insight into a place in the world that plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall ecosystem’s well-being.
11:45am - 12:15pm: Food and community socializing.
12:15pm - 1:15: Presentation with Q&A. Available hybrid via Zoom.
1:15pm - 2:00pm: Student meeting and discussion with speaker.
Iole Alessandrini is an Italian-American artist known for her Laser Plane Photography and large scale installations. She holds Master’s degrees from both the University La Sapienza in Rome, Italy, and the University of Washington in Seattle, the USA. Alessandrini is the recipient of fellowships and awards including Betty Bowen Award; Pollock-Krasner; The Civita Institute; Rockefeller Film and Video Nominee. She has taught in Italy through the Comparative History of Ideas Department at the University of Washington before joining DigiPen Institute of Technology where she teaches Art History; and at Bellevue College, teaching Color Theory and Typography. Alessandrini is a licensed architect in Italy in the Lazio Region (1987-2001),
Among her public art-light installations feature prominently: The Raven and The Light; Counterbalance Park; Capitol Hill Library; Westlake Fountain all in Seattle, and Luminous Forest in Edmonds, using interactive technologies with a focus on sustainable resources using solar-powered technology. Her recent expedition to the Arctic Circle aligns with her interest in sustainable environments.
She has led award-winning grants through The Civita Institute TCI (1996-2022) resulting in the World Monument Fund nomination for the preservation of the 3000 years old Civita di Bagnoregio. She served as president of the TCI from 2016-2018. She is a SOIL member, Seattle artists-run gallery.
Her groundbreaking work on Laser Plane Photography (LPP), a photographic technique she invented, captures a light phenomenon in time exposure when objects and/or people move through the Laser Plane (Jack Straw Production 2004). She calls those photos Ioleograms™ her name + photograms. The LLP features in her recent expedition to the Arctic Circle.