LEXUS UNVEILS SUCHI REDDY’S SHAPED BY AIR INSTALLATION AT ICA MIAMI
Lexus unveiled Shaped by Air at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami), presenting a vision by acclaimed New York-based artist and architect Suchi Reddy, founder of Reddymade Architecture and Design, that draws inspiration from the Lexus Electrified Sport’s quality of being “shaped by air.”
Reddy’s ethereal installation - her first public project in Miami—celebrates the collaborators’ shared commitment to human-centred, carbon-neutral, and impeccably-crafted design. On view through 11 December 2022, it envisions the vehicle as shaped by mist and light, draws upon the curves of the vehicle’s design, and incorporates foliage-inspired cut-outs to suggest movement through nature.
Situated in the Sculpture Garden at ICA Miami and visible to guests immediately upon arrival, the site-specific installation features a to-scale interpretation of the Lexus Electrified Sport enveloped by cooling mist and warm light. To create the immersive and dynamic design, Reddy placed the vehicle on a platform among organic, leaflike shapes in a vibrant shade of green, subtly calling to mind the cut-outs of Henri Matisse.
These abstract and reflective forms, sit in dialogue with neighbouring sculptures by Pedro Reyes and artist duo Allora & Calzadilla, which also exist in harmony with the garden’s greenery. Comprised in part of post-consumer materials, the sculpture’s steel and aluminium form (the overall dimensions are 6,3 metres (Length) x 1,82 metres (Depth) x 2,7metres (Height) includes mirrored side panels. As the mist clings to its metal body and conveys a sense of movement, the piece appears as if it is levitating. Its ever-changing nature is further illuminated in the daytime, as shadows cast unexpected patterns on the surrounding surfaces.
Reflecting Lexus’ commitment to omotenashi - a concept encompassing both hospitality and mindfulness – the Shaped by Air installation invites garden visitors to rest on benches made of eco-terrazzo. Their shape takes inspiration from the tail of the Electrified Sport vehicle, and they include wireless charging stations as well activated by a solar-charged battery. Reddy, whose design ethos has been described as a “form follows feeling” approach, has carefully calibrated the environment to be a welcoming, contemplative, and constantly evolving one.
“Lexus’ steadfast commitment to the arts and excellence in craftsmanship has been an inspiring departure point for the installation. Shaped by Air animates the courtyard using mist, light, and metallic forms to create an ethereal installation that both reflects and is transformed by the natural elements of the sculpture garden, blurring the boundaries between art and design,” says Suchi Reddy.
Since 2005, Lexus has been at the forefront of pioneering electrification in the luxury market. With the introduction of their next-generation Electrified Sport concept, Lexus continues to push the boundaries of technology and craft with an unwavering commitment to sustainability and consideration for the evolving needs of transportation and lifestyles worldwide. Suchi’s public installation––the brand’s fifth immersive experience during Miami Art & Design Week–highlights the full potential of electrification and underscores Lexus’ vision for a future that is human-centred, carbon-neutral, and focused on craftsmanship and quality.
“We are thrilled to partner with the inimitable Suchi Reddy and see the Electrified Sport come to life through the lens of her human-centred approach to design,” said Brian Bolain, Lexus’ global head of marketing. “The Lexus Electrified Sport represents a visceral expression of a Lexus Electrified future. Suchi has brought that vision to life, using mist and light to give it movement, underscoring the exciting future of Lexus design and performance dynamics.”
“ICA Miami is committed to reducing our climate footprint by adopting best practices for sustainability. This includes implementing carbon offsets for major exhibitions and partnering with organisations that are working towards carbon neutrality. We are delighted to align with organisations equally committed to a carbon-neutral future, Lexus and Reddymade, in providing a platform for innovative work by Suchi Reddy,” added Alex Gartenfeld, ICA Miami’s Artistic Director.
Alongside the unveiling of Shaped by Air, Lexus is partnering with several arts and culture organisations throughout the week to further spotlight Reddy’s design. Lexus and Refraction–the largest artist-run-and-owned web3 community, will bring the installation on-chain into the web3 space. An NFT inspired by the installation will be available as a limited mint during Miami Art & Design Week at the Refraction Festival, which will also include a localised digital media display of the artwork. A series of custom-wrapped Lexus vehicles showcasing artwork by Refraction will be included in Lexus' VIP fleet.
Furthermore, Lexus is hosting Lexus Art Series: Art and Innovation talks with Whitewall, a programme of intimate discussions and talks between Lexus ambassadors and industry leaders across the art and design worlds, returning for its seventh year. Further illustrating the brand’s commitment to arts, culture, and hospitality, Lexus is partnering with ICA Miami, The Bass, and Pérez Art Museum Miami to offer a complimentary car service to select members of each museum throughout the week.
ABOUT SUCHI REDDY
Suchi Reddy founded Reddymade in 2002 with a human-centric approach to design, dedicated to celebrating diversity and equality, as well as addressing the economic, social, environmental and cultural impacts of her work on both the user and the planet.
Reddy is the 2022 Walton Critic at the Catholic University of America School of Architecture. In 2019, she was appointed the Plym Distinguished Professor at the University of Illinois School of Architecture, Champaign–Urbana, where her work focused on contemporary architectural experience through the lens of neuroaesthetics, neurophenomenology, and sensory design. Reddy has presented and lectured on the firm’s work at numerous venues including The Salk Institute for the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture’s annual conference, the University of Illinois, and the University of Wisconsin. She sits on the board of the Design Trust for Public Space, Storefront for Art and Architecture, and Madame Architect; and she is a member of the Dean’s Board of Advisors at Detroit Mercy School of Architecture + Community Development.
Reddymade has received numerous awards for design excellence, including being recognised by the American Institute of Architects and NYCxDesign. Regularly featured in print and online media, the work of Reddymade actively contributes to a social and cultural discourse that explores how neuroaesthetics and designing for well-being positively impacts all people.
