In Milan, Es Devlin discusses her radiant new project: "An unique experience unfolds during the nighttime"
In the heart of Milan, the Pinacoteca di Brera is currently hosting a captivating installation by British artist Es Devlin. Known as the 'Library of Light', this immersive experience invites visitors to explore the intersection of knowledge, emotion, and enlightenment.
The installation, set within the 17th-century Cortile d'Onore, features an 18m revolving cylindrical sculpture containing over 3,000 books. Surrounding the sculpture are statues of scholars holding instruments of knowledge, including a quiet, contemplative figure of Maria Gaetana Agnesi, an Italian mathematician and philosopher from the 18th century.
Agnesi, who sat without arms, was a pioneer in differential calculus, authoring one of the earliest comprehensive textbooks on the subject in 1748. Her work, Instituzioni analitiche, remains significant to this day. Agnesi's presence in Devlin's installation serves as a powerful symbol of the enduring influence of women in science and mathematics, particularly from Italy.
As the day turns to evening, the 'Library of Light' comes alive. Light streams from the library, casting poetic shadows across the courtyard's columns and statues. Visitors are invited to stay beyond the usual closing time to witness this spectacle.
The installation also includes collective readings, with excerpts from Carlo Rovelli's The Order of Time and Agnesi's writings. British actor Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice to these readings, adding an extra layer of enchantment.
The 'Library of Light' aims to leave a lasting impression, not just through its visual spectacle, but also by engaging the minds of its visitors. Devlin, known for her work in honouring individuals who have had a profound cultural and intellectual impact, seeks to fuse knowledge with emotion, creating a trace in the minds of visitors even after the installation is gone.
The Pinacoteca di Brera, officially established in 1809 and located within the historic Palazzo di Brera, houses several cultural institutions, including the Braidense National Library, the Astronomical Observatory, the Botanical Garden, and the Academy of Fine Arts.
The 'Library of Light' installation will be on view at Pinacoteca di Brera until 21 April 2025. For those planning a visit, it's worth noting that Salone del Mobile 2025 takes place from 8-13 April, and the full Milan Design Week 2025 guide is available.
In addition to her work on the 'Library of Light', Devlin is also intrigued by the theory of the divided brain and its two modes of paying attention to the world, as proposed by psychiatrist and neuroscientist Iain McGilchrist. This interest is reflected in the installation, creating a thought-provoking and immersive experience for all who visit.
As dusk sets in during the 'Library of Light' installation, a magical moment occurs. The birds start singing in a particular way, adding an ethereal quality to the experience. This enchanting installation serves as a testament to the power of knowledge, the enduring influence of women in science and mathematics, and the beauty of Milanese intellectual heritage.
[1] Agnesi, Maria Gaetana. Instituzioni analitiche ad uso della gioventù italiana (1748). [2] Agnesi, Maria Gaetana. Il Cielo Mistico (1784). [3] Rovelli, Carlo. The Order of Time (2018). [4] McGilchrist, Iain. The Master and His Emissary (2009). [5] McGilchrist, Iain. The Matter With Things (2022).
- The collective readings during the 'Library of Light' installation feature excerpts from Agnesi's Instituzioni analitiche and other notable works such as Carlo Rovelli's The Order of Time.
- As intellectual institutions like the Braidense National Library and the Academy of Fine Arts are part of the Pinacoteca di Brera, a home-and-garden complex, this cultural hub provides an immersive environment that seamlessly blends lifestyle and learning.
