Spin

Spin, 1970s

Michael Hayden

 

Michael Hayden is a Canadian artist, best known for his architectonic neon artworks, including Sky’s the Limit (1987) in the O’Hare International Airport. Hayden’s use of neon lights and geometric shapes results in multi-dimensional artworks that engage viewers through various perspectives.

 

Spin predates many of Hayden’s well-known public art sculpture, including Sky’s the Limit and Generators of the Cylinder. Seven colorful semi-circular tubes are attached to a large mirror, creating the illusion of rotating three-dimensional circles. The reflective background also creates spatial depth, expanding the viewer’s perception of their position in relation to the artwork, as well as encouraging audiences to view other artworks in the gallery through a new and unique lens.

 

Hayden’s recently-restored interactive public art sculpture, Generators of the Cylinder, is located on 550 South Hill Street in downtown Los Angeles. As people pass by, their body heat activates the cylindrical neon lights through infrared sensors, creating light variations through the active engagement of viewers.

Hayden currently resides in Santa Rosa, California with his family.