James Yamada : Parasolstice-Winter Light 2011

James Yamada : Parasolstice-Winter Light 2011

James Yamada’s dramatic installation The summer shelter retreats darkly among the trees is inaugurating Parasolstice – Winter Light 2011, a series of outdoor projects on the foundation’s terrace.

Yamada’s sculpture consists of an aluminium shed, a bench and various light elements. The structure both shelters visitors from bad weather and offers them some privacy. Integrated into its rooftop are several light elements at 10,000 lux, which is the sunlight-mimicking intensity referred to as ‘full spectrum light’. This is the light commonly used in light therapy to treat the symptoms of SAD (seasonal affective disorder). First identified in 1984, SAD affects people in various regions of the world where, especially during the winter months, a lack of sunlight can cause depression, loss of energy and sleep deprivation. The focus of The summer shelter retreats darkly among the trees is to involve visitors in an uplifting and insightful experience during the darkest months of the year.