Site-specific artwork
for Sånna School, Åhus, Sweden
Commissioned by Kristianstads municipality
Completed 2020
SAND is a monumental kinetic sculpture designed for the new Sånna School in Åhus. Centrally suspended beneath the expansive skylight of the school’s atrium, the work serves as a dynamic and immersive centrepiece. The sculpture draws its conceptual foundation from the distinctive sand dunes of Åhus, aiming to embody the granular movement and continual metamorphosis of sand crystals — their shifting colours, forms, and textures influenced by light and motion.
SAND is composed of circular dichroic elements, each based on the molecular structure of quartz: one silicon atom covalently bonded to two oxygen atoms. These elements are mounted on flexible rods, allowing them to respond subtly to ambient air currents. Positioned directly under the skylight, the sculpture reacts to changing natural light throughout the day, producing an ever-evolving array of colours and reflections. This interplay of light and material animates the atrium space, creating a sensory experience that reflects the rhythms of nature and time.
Art consultant: Kristina Möster Nilsson
Photo Robin Hayes
