The Howard Hughes Corporation debuts Shoal, an experiential art piece in Hughes Landing® that is the latest addition to one of the largest public art collections in the country. Commissioned from Squidsoup—the international collaborative group of artists researchers, technologists and designers known for creating award-winning digital media experiences—Shoal features 750 individual orbs of light suspended in air and programmed to seamlessly flow in mesmerizing movement to sound.
“Shoal is a new interactive piece that adds to the diversity of our expansive art collection, reinforces the power of art in placemaking—a fundamental component of The Woodlands’ original vision for the community,” said Jim Carman, President of the Houston Region for The Howard Hughes Corporation.
The orbs are choreographed as a collective, inspired from the captivating movement patterns of shoals—large groups of fish swimming together in captivating patterns. Hundreds of speakers and LEDs work harmoniously together to create this symbolic art.
Shoal operates in different ways, depending on the time of the day. During daylight, it is an ambient moving sound piece. In the evening, it presents a delicate undulating lightwork with sound, and at specific times, the art comes alive with bursts of activity and waves of energy that last for about 15 minutes before reverting to a calmer state.
“Shoal is the latest in a series of works that use our own system of hundreds of points of light and sound to create new forms of immersive and ambient works, and was designed specifically for Hughes Landing,” stated Anthony Rowe, Founder of Squidsoup. “We are honored and delighted to present the work to the residents and visitors of The Woodlands.“
Exemplifying the power of art as a wayfinding tool, the new work of art will engage visitors to Restaurant Row, inviting them through the walkway between Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse and Del Frisco’s Grille to the entrance of the Hughes Landing Band Shell and boardwalk overlooking Lake Woodlands.
The Woodlands offers one of the largest outdoor art collections in the nation, featuring nearly 90 pieces of outdoor work including the recent 35,000-square-foot mural, Flowers, by internationally acclaimed artist Alex Katz, commissioned by Howard Hughes to activate and anchor the new 2.3-acre outdoor community gathering space in Waterway Square®. Howard Hughes continues to stay true to the vision of founder of The Woodlands, the late George Mitchell, who recognized the importance of public art in creating a true master planned community.
Shoal joins other works in Hughes Landing such as Acrobática, by world-renowned artist Rafael Barrios, Firefly by sculptor John Clement, and Wind Waves by the late Mexican artist Yvonne Domenge, further enhancing the cultural fabric of the community.
Shoal is now available for the community and visitors to enjoy in Hughes Landing.
