DREAM WAVES

by: Patrick Shearn of Poetic Kinetics

On February 20, 2019, “Dream Waves,” part of the Skynet Series by Patrick Shearn and his Poetic Kinetics team, opened to the public in Lisbon Portugal. Spanning 171 meters in length and suspended from 3.5 meters to 15 meters high, the artwork is also the largest of the artist’s series of kinetic sculptures to be exhibited in Europe.

Inspired by Portugal’s rich ongoing and historical connection to the sea, the artwork is the second site-specific installation Shearn has developed for Freeport Lisboa Fashion Outlet. Last fall, the retail complex hosted “School of Breeze,” Shearn’s debut installation on the Iberian Peninsula. These artworks provide an unprecedented experience of originality and contemporary art innovation to visitors.

Patrick Shearn is world-renowned for his striking, larger-than-life, moving sculptures, known as his Skynet Art Series. “Dream Waves” is the latest kinetic art installation of this series, designed to evoke the movements of nature, such as the cresting waves of the Atlantic Ocean. 

“With this artwork, I’m aiming to capture wind to create motion evocative of waves crashing on the shore. My Skynet Series seeks to emulate this natural phenomenon.  I have always been both humbled and awestruck by the forces of nature,” says Shearn. “Swimming underneath crashing waves is a magical thing to witness.  My desire with ‘Dream Waves’ is to create an unexpected opportunity to slow down and experience this wonderful sensation.”

“Dream Waves” is comprised of approximately 3100 linear meters of rope, over 500 hand-tied technical knots and approximately 50,000 ripstop nylon streamers arranged in an elegant gradient pattern that simulates waves crashing and flowing. Harnessing available wind, the artwork undulates in a gorgeous, immersive display that gives viewers the sense that they are deep underwater looking towards the shimmering surface of the sea.

School of Breeze was the first installation in this location.