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Winter Light by Mary Temple
Photo CreditCourtesy the artist
Winter Light
Photo CreditCourtesy the artist

Winter Light

Artist
Year2014
Classification architectural arts
Medium etched limestone
Dimensions19 × 25 ft. (579.1 × 762 cm)
Credits Commissioned through the Art in Architecture Program
Fine Arts Collection
U.S. General Services Administration
Location
  • Mary Temple employed an art technique called trompe l’oeil (French for “deceive the eye”) to create this intriguing optical illusion in limestone.  In this artwork, it appears that light illuminates the large passageway of the federal building’s lobby.  Temple made this image of sunlight dappling through tree branches by subtly etching their silhouettes into the wall’s polished limestone surface.  Visitors are drawn into the building by an unexpected interplay of light and shadow seemingly cast over the architecture.  The image surrounds the entryway in a gesture that both embraces and reaches through the space, emphasizing access and openness.  Temple has stated that this etched image of light is a metaphor for knowledge and leadership, two qualities exemplified by Mickey Leland, the Texas congressman for whom the federal building is named.