Artwork copyright Raylene Gorum. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2024.

Artwork copyright Raylene Gorum. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2024.

Artwork copyright Raylene Gorum. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2024.

Artwork copyright Raylene Gorum. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2024.

Artwork copyright Raylene Gorum. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2024.

Artwork copyright Raylene Gorum. The artist Raylene Gorum with her artwork. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2024.

Artwork copyright Raylene Gorum. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2024.

Artwork copyright Raylene Gorum. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2024.

That Which Colors the Mind, 2024

Raylene Gorum
(American, born 1976)

Location: Inglemoor High School, Kenmore

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

That Which Colors the Mind by Raylene Gorum references Indian classical music, as well as mandalas and lotus blossoms present in Indian culture. It consists of 86 hanging elements whose patterns and organization is based on raga and tala systems, which are foundational elements in Indian classical music theory. In very simple terms, the raga is the notes and melodies, while the tala is the time cycle that creates the rhythmic structure. Gorum chose this symbolism because of the artwork's location near the high school's concert hall.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Northshore School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Raylene Gorum is a California Bay Area artist who works mainly with intricately cut vinyl, acrylic, mirrors, and wood. She creates large-scale installations and flat works that blur spatial boundaries through the use of reflective and transparent materials. Her artworks often use buildings as a canvas to make the world a little more fantastical. She is inspired by "the unifying communicative powers of science, cartography, mathematical geometry, and the ethos of each project."

Gorum has a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and through the Ecole d'Architecture in Paris, France. She lives on a houseboat in Sausalito, California.