HIGH BEAMS

2023
1980 Mercedes-Benz 300 SD, edison bulbs, lighting controller
206 x 74 x 60 inches

High Beams is a temporary public art project commissioned by Charlotte Center City Partners for the Charlotte Rail Trail Lights, an outdoor, light-based exhibition. It was placed on the Rail Trail near Atherton Mill in Charlotte, North Carolina; an area with high pedestrian traffic.   

The concept for this piece started with the location in which it would be living. People would be passing by it, not necessarily expecting to be exposed to art, but regardless, being confronted by it. A car seemed like an easy entry point for viewers as something beautiful and familiar, just with a change to its traditional context. A lot of people can appreciate a Volkswagen Beetle or a Stingray Corvette, but might say they are “not a fan” of sculpture.

But this car has been intervened by another familiar object, a light bulb, also removed from its typical context. The Mercedes is outfitted with over 300 light bulbs connected to infrared sensors that can detect when viewers are nearby. Once movement is sensed the lights double in brightness. In effect, the car is signaling that it is aware of you. With very little effort pedestrians are given an experience with a piece of art, passively.

Photos and video by Ben Premeaux at the smARTlab