Artwork copyright Peter Reiquam. Photo courtesy of WSU.

Artwork copyright Peter Reiquam. Photo courtesy of WSU.

Artwork copyright Peter Reiquam. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Peter Reiquam. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Peter Reiquam. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Peter Reiquam. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Peter Reiquam. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Peter Reiquam. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Light Reading, 2006

Peter Reiquam
(American, born 1959)

Location: Washington State University - Spokane, Spokane

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Peter Reiquam created Light Reading as an outdoor, open-air reading room for conversation, reflection, and contemplation. The artwork features a pair of over-sized granite armchairs, a bronze coffee table, and two bronze bookcases infilled with lighted, cast-glass books, sitting on a "carpet textured" concrete slab. Reiquam hopes that Light Reading will become a popular gathering place for students, faculty members, other staff, and visitors to the Washington State University Spokane campus.

The use of light is key to this project. The books are internally lit so that the "room" is bathed in a glowing light. Symbolically, the light from the books is the illumination of knowledge and ideas gained through reading. The radiant books make the installation accessible after dark. Light represents knowledge and darkness represents a lack of knowledge and awareness. The nearby library, academic buildings, and other surroundings are also reflected in the chairs' polished stone surfaces.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Washington State University.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Seattle-based artist Peter Reiquam creates imaginative and interactive sculptures for public spaces. He states, "I strive to create durable, well-crafted and meaningful works that speak to the uniqueness of each site and to do so with a balance of humor, elegance and sophistication."

Reiquam earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington in Seattle and a Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from Yale University in Connecticut. He served for six years on the King County Public Art Commission and has taught extensively throughout his career.