Tiange Wang
OPen
Client:
VLab
Art / Multimedia

Purple Origin

Client

VLab

Location, Year

AoE, 2024

Scope of Work

Installation, Multimedia Art

The first shade of purple produced was Tyrian purple, created from Murex trunculus sea snails. Dye makers harvested mucus from the shell, heated it in an alkaline solution, dipped yarn into the mixture, and then exposed it to sunlight, which turned the yarn purple. A staggering 2,500 snails were needed to produce just 1 gram of this purple dye, making it a symbol of rare luxury and power in ancient times. Though purple retains its prestigious aura in modern cultures, synthetic dyes and digitalized colors have democratized its accessibility and, fortunately, saved the lives of a great many snails. In today's age of intense material consumption and heightened environmental consciousness, this work delves deep into the captivating tale of purple’s origin by transforming it into a tangible and visceral experience. Beyond recounting purple’s rich history, the work shapes an experience that confronts the dichotomy of progress and preservation. The transformation from natural to synthetic dyes symbolizes not just advancements in technology but also our evolving relationship with nature. As visitors immerse themselves in Purple Origin, they are prompted to ponder the cost of luxury, the value of sustainable alternatives, and our ever-present responsibility to protect and revere the delicate balance of nature’s treasures.

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In winter, when the sun is dim, the towers light up inside. The storage towers that are clad in a composite material which makes it almost opaque under the sun would now reveal its inner content as a glimming inner core. Embodying the metaphor of a lighthouse powered by collections of art.
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