Yarn Transforms an Alley

What was once simply a transitional courtyard space in San Diego’s life science Research and Development District (RaDD) is now home to a stunning world-class art installation inspired by San Diego’s ocean and sky.

Finding the right artist for this location required a combination of deep-rooted industry connections and a focused search for artists pushing the boundaries of ephemeral and immersive art. Recognizing the artistic opportunities created by the multileveled “Alley” space with natural clerestory lighting, MIG facilitated the artist selection process, engaging stakeholders to ensure the installation would respond to these opportunities, as well as the highly visible, pedestrian-friendly location. The process also involved procuring the artwork and overseeing fabrication and installation.

“Ocean & Sky,” created by artist HOTTEA (Eric Rieger), elegantly transforms the space through color and movement with suspended, resin-coated colored yarn strands that gently sway and shimmer in the sunlight, mimicking the nearby ocean waves. The installation required a unique level of coordination with structural engineers to maintain its floating, ethereal quality.

Capitalizing on the multileveled space, “Ocean & Sky” offers experiences from multiple viewpoints with the ground floor perspective reminiscent of gazing upwards toward the sunlight from below the water’s surface and the second story perspective capturing the shifting light and colors of a San Diego sunset—a brilliant artistic solution to honor the site’s dynamic natural and coastal influences.