Peter Howells. Cell, 2000.
Mixed Media, 88 x 104 x 104 in.

by Pete, 2000

ne night, I dreamt of a work of art that was fully integrated into the space it inhabited. The work defined an environment that transcended art, design, and architecture, becoming a fully integrated atmospheric experience, a space that was functional and thoughtfully designed while carrying the metaphorical values and insight of art. The installation I created for Open Studios 2000, "Cell", is my first attempt at translating that dream into physical form.

"Cell" is a cube structure about 8 feet in any direction and meant to function as something akin to a cloister cell, a space for meditation and thought. Inspiration for this work comes from the novitiate cells of the cloisters of San Marco in Florence, Italy. Many of the San Marco cells contain a single fresco painted by Fra Angelico that depict various religious scenes in a simple and unadorned style that is both highly aesthetic and instructional.