shemza.digital #5, 2021

Aphra Shemza in collaboration with the public, programming by Jamie Howard and 3D design by Anna Sycheva 

Interactive light sculpture, recycled green cast acrylic, LED, and bespoke circuit 

shemza.digital #5 invites you to walk through an interactive archway inspired by Anwar Shemza’s City Wall series, which he based on Islamic architecture. Aphra Shemza has transformed Shemza’s two-dimensional concept back into a physical object.

shemza.digital #5 embraces notions of performativity, dialogue and interchange. The ultrasonic sensors in the sculpture measure the visitor’s distance from it. On approaching the archway, your physical presence causes the lights to illuminate, inviting you to walk through the arch. Through your movements you become an active participant - the closer you get, the more you see. 

The archway motif was designed by students in Aphra Shemza’s Co-creation workshops and the artist has taken this as inspiration to create this piece.