Art and Research

Seth Riskin is a visual artist exploring perception through the instrument of light.

He redefines ‘light art’ as a method of showing perception to itself. His original tools reduce light to “geometric minima,” enabling Riskin to shape perceptions of space and time. Since 1987, Riskin has worked at MIT in dialogue with scientists, engineers and scholars from a range of adjacent fields. His work is grounded in painting and drawing, while reaching to the forefronts of perceptual art and science. Penetrating to the foundation of visual experience, Riskin’s work represents the intersection of visual art and vision neuroscience, a new space of interacting empirical and theoretical knowledge that he is actively working with others to unfold.

Light Dance

Light Dance is the archetype of Riskin’s work.

Originated in 1987, the Light Dance art form uses light in the manner of vision, cast from the artist’s body to the boundaries of the dark room. A former national champion gymnast, Riskin articulates elemental light forms with his body movements to shape viewers’ perceptions along spatial and temporal axes. In silent, space-defining performances, Riskin sweeps out radial geometries that encompass viewers in the movement experience.

“Turning vision inside out,” Riskin makes low-level perceptual responses accessible to conscious study.

Light is the means, but Riskin sees perception as his medium. His light stimuli do not illuminate; they become objects of perception. Working with these units in situ, he “speaks” to the early visual system of the human brain. He sees his work as part of the long, artistic tradition of exploring perception by physical creation, a visual art legacy he seeks to build upon by using technologies to turn light into reflexive experiences of vision.