Atlas, 2024
Part of Have Art Will Travel: Temporary & Traveling Exhibitions
Atlas is an interactive sculpture featuring twenty-four hanging moths, inspired by the shapes and wing patterns of endangered moth species in North America. As moths are naturally drawn to light, visitors are drawn to the flowing light and sound emitted from each moth. As people move beneath the suspended forms, they can interact with and affect the light and sound, creating an immersive experience.
Atlas is part of Jen Lewin’s Moth Series, which began with her first interactive moth creation in 1999. The work highlights the beauty and fragility of these endangered species and connects them to a broader ecological context, emphasizing balance within our ecosystem and the interconnectedness of life on Earth.
grants, awards & exhibitionS
2025
Discovery Green, Houston, TX
Creating Atlas
Atlas was meticulously crafted by hand at our studio in Brooklyn, New York, showcasing an intricate blend of art, science, and technology. The hand-bent aluminum frames form the foundation of this work, while the graphics were developed using research on endangered species. Scientific images were used to train an AI model, generating high-definition graphic versions of these moths. These visuals were further refined in Adobe Suite to achieve the precise colors and patterns desired. The designs were UV-printed on durable materials and then enhanced with hand-painted UV-reactive pigments, bringing each piece to life. Once completed, the components were carefully assembled and rigorously tested in the studio. Hundreds of unique soundscapes, created by Jen Lewin, accompany each species, allowing viewers to trigger dynamic sound and light interactions as they walk beneath them. The colors were designed to harmonize with the surrounding environment, while the soundscapes seamlessly integrate with one another, creating a symphonic experience that connects each element of the installation.
Atlas (noun)
Refers to the Atlas moth (Attacus atlas), one of the largest and most striking moths in the world. Named after the Titan Atlas from Greek mythology, who was condemned to hold up the sky for eternity as punishment from Zeus, the Atlas moth is renowned for its impressive wingspan, vibrant colors, and intricate wing patterns. The name also refers to the globe, as Atlas is often depicted holding the world on his shoulders, symbolizing the moth’s expansive and impressive presence. This species exemplifies strength and grandeur, much like its mythological namesake, emphasizing its imposing size and remarkable appearance.
Endangered Species List
- Arefacta Flower Moth – Schinia arefacta (Endangered: 2012) – GA, FL
- Barrens Metarranthis Moth – Metarranthis apiciaria (Endangered: 2005) – MA, CT, IL, ID, USA
- Blanchard’s Sphinx Moth – Adhemarius blanchardorum (Endangered: 1995) – TX, USA
- Bog Buck Moth – Hemileuca maia menyanthevora (Endangered: 2023) – NY, ON, Canada
- Bowman’s Tiger Moth – Apantesis bowmani (Endangered: 2002) – CO, UT, USA
- Chinati Sheepmoth – Hemileuca chinatiensis (Endangered: 2000) – TX, USA
- Dark Stoneroot Borer Moth – Papaipema duplicatus (Endangered: 2022) – AR, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MO, NC, OK, USA
- Dark-banded Flower Gem Moth – Melaporphyria immortua (Endangered: 2004) – MI, Canada
- Double-tufted Wasp Moth – Didasys belae (Endangered: 2020) – FL, AL, USA
- Fabulous Green Sphinx Moth – Tinostoma smaragditis (Endangered: 1986) – Kauai, HI, USA
- Half-banded Bryolymnia Moth – Bryolymnia semifascia (Endangered: 2006) – CO, UT, AZ, NM, USA
- Kern Primrose Sphinx Moth – Euproserpinus euterpe (Endangered: 2011) – CA, USA
- White-streaked Lichen Moth – Cisthene conjuncta (Endangered: 2002) – TX, USA
- Manitoba Oakworm Moth – Anisota manitobensis (Endangered: 2011) – Manitoba, Canada
- Michigan Dune Dart Moth – Copablepharon michiganensis (Endangered: 2007) – MI, WI, USA
- Okefenokee Zale Moth – Zale perculta (Endangered: 2004) – FL, GA, SC, USA
- Patagonia Eyed Silkmoth – Automeris patagoniensis (Endangered: 2000) – AZ, USA
- Prominent Moth – Cecrita franclemonti (Endangered: 2001) – AZ, USA
- Rosy Tiger Moth – Lophocampa roseata (Endangered: 2017) – WA, Canada
- Royal Moth – Syssphinx blanchardi (Endangered: 2000) – WA, Canada
- Swallow Moth – Feralia meadowsi (Endangered: 1987) – USA
- Underwing Moth – Catocala caesia (Endangered: 2019) – AZ, NM, USA
- Velda Pinemoth – Coloradia velda (Endangered: 2000) – CA, USA
- Zephyr Eyed Silkmoth – Automeris zephyria (Endangered: 2000) – NM, TX, USA
