Dominion Energy Substation , Crystal City 2023
inVisible visualizes the creation and distribution of electricity – an unseen, yet essential, aspect of our lives. The work is also inspired by the artist’s interest in the immersive effects that vast fields of color can have on viewers.
Here, two expansive fields are stacked horizontally. On the lower half of the façade, three different sizes of colorful ceramic tiles represent a buzzing electric field. The relationships between the 2, 4, and 6-inch tiles reference the substation’s main function of converting voltage from high to low or vice versa. The various tile sizes represent the transformation of electricity within the substation. The upper half of the façade is an immense monochrome field of metal panels that represents a folded sky. This segment invites the audience to view the sky – a place we look to for our hopes and dreams.
In creating inVisible, Manferdini, an Italian-born artist, designer, architect, and engineer, invites viewers to consider their relationship to the invisible and fundamental force of electricity. She also asks us to contemplate the process and tools used in electricity’s creation and distribution.