His oeuvre invites us to explore metaphysical spaces that seem familiar on the one hand and strange and otherworldly on the other hand, accentuated by specific colours.
Planetary Chapel is a kinetic work with an intricate wind-up mechanism that opens the doors of a casket, revealing a constellation of rotating golden spheres. Instantly, Galileo’s Law of Inertia or Motion comes to mind. From his experiments, he had learned a body in motion would remain in movement unless a force caused it to come to rest.
Van Veluw’s Planetary Chapel also makes a reference to medieval portable altars. The external coffer is immersed in magical blue, whereas the inner sanctum is of golden gleam, creating a spiritual and transcendent impression. Since it was mandatory to attend Mass in the Dark Ages, it was common practice that travelling altars aided the personal devotion of Christians at home or whilst being away.
Image and Video, Levi van Veluw, Planetary Chapel, 2021, polymer clay, metal mechanics H710 mm x W510 mm x D460 mm, edition of 3.
https://levivanveluw.com/work/beyond-matter-kinetic-video
Courtesy and ©Levi van Veluw, Rosenfeld Gallery and Renée Pfister Art & Gallery Consultancy.
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