In the Balance of Light
Details
“Both [sculptures] together, and the choice of the stone, appropriately titled ‘silver cloud,’ gives a sense of our galaxy, our universe, our place in the world.”
— Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and artist Maya Lin on her sculpture at the Obama Presidential Center, Seeing Through the Universe
As day and night come into balance, dancer and choreographer Irene Hsiao and cellist olula negre present a performance that invites us to pause and reflect on our place in the universe. Through movement, sound, landscape, and changing light, the performance creates an immersive dialogue between body, sky, sound, and sculpture.
Guests are welcome to attend one or both performances.
Because the program takes place outdoors, please dress comfortably for the weather. Please keep in mind that bench seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the benches are full, guests are welcome to enjoy the performance from our standing viewing area.
Because space is limited, please do not bring chairs or other personal seating into the performance area.
From the Plaza: Head toward the Museum—the Forum will be on your right. Once you’ve walked past the Forum, turn right on the walkway between the Museum and Forum. Seeing Through the Universe is the marble sculpture in the Ann Dunham Water Terrace ahead of you. If you reach the Promenade or see the lagoon, you’ve gone too far.
From the Parking Garage: Exit the parking garage via the walking paths—follow signs for the Campus or the Plaza. Follow “From the Plaza” instructions from here.
Featuring
Irene Hsiao
Irene Hsiao is a dancer, writer, and multidisciplinary artist creating performances in conversation with visual art in museums, galleries, and public spaces and site-specific participatory performance installations. Her current project is Shared Earth Flowing Water, a series dedicated to peace, community, and the natural world.
olula negre
olula negre is a cellist, vocalist, banjoist, and multidisciplinary artist based in Cleveland and Chicago. A grandchild of twin migrations from Alabama and Puerto Rico, olula creates electroacoustic music blending strings, voice, and effects to queer contemporary classical, experimental jazz, and folk traditions.
Maya Lin
Maya Lin is an artist and architect known for site-specific installations, memorials, and sculptural works that engage landscape and space. Her practice moves between architecture and art, often focusing on form, environment, and human interaction. She designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and has received both the National Medal of Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
