SpY‘s “Ovoid” installation in Riyadh is a monumental intervention that redefines the urban landscape. Suspended beneath the Wadi Hanifah Bridge, the 35-meter-high, illuminated red ovoid dominates the skyline, challenging our perception of scale and materiality. The work not only exists within the environment but also activates it, inviting viewers to engage with the sculpture and its surroundings in a unique and sensorial experience.
This large-scale intervention immediately establishes a connection with the human body. As people move around the installation, they are confronted with a constant play of proportions and references that redefine their perception of the location and their own position within it. The ovoid becomes a visual and physical presence that is both overwhelming and intimate.
When approaching the installation, the ovoid unveils itself as a visually striking artwork that elicits a strong physical response. The immersive experience combines a sense of awe with a deep emotional connection.
The light emanating from within the ovoid envelops the surrounding environment, enveloping it in a vibrant and captivating red glow. This illumination not only enhances the visual impact of the installation but also enhances the sensory experience, creating an engulfing atmosphere that draws the viewer in.
The reflection of the ovoid in the waters beneath the bridge adds another layer of complexity to the installation. The mirrored image doubles its visual scale, creating a duality between the physical presence of the artwork and the ephemeral illusion of its reflection. The dual aspect challenges the viewers’ perception of reality and blurs the boundaries between the tangible and the illusory.
The “Ovoid” installation by Madrid-based artist SpY in Riyadh stands as a striking testament to art’s capacity to interact with its environment. By probing the concepts of scale, materiality, and perception, this installation encourages viewers to engage in a profoundly physical and sensory experience. It challenges their understanding of both the surrounding space and the artwork itself, inviting a deeper contemplation of their relationship with each.
The fusion of visual impact, dynamic illumination, and mirrored reflections crafts an immersive and thought-provoking encounter. This captivating experience resonates with all who encounter it, leaving an indelible mark that lingers long after the initial viewing.