Indoor Cloud Setup with Colorful Panels Hanging in Space

Suspended within the atrium of the State Docking Building in Topeka, Kansas, the pink fluffy cloud installation titled _Astra_ is a remarkable creation by artist David Spriggs, who is based on Vancouver Island. Renowned for his atmospheric installations that blur the distinctions between 2D and 3D realms, Spriggs has crafted _Astra_ to mimic a genuine cloud or a colossal piece of cotton candy. Nonetheless, this stunning artwork is made up of layers of transparent planes, each displaying a semi-transparent image. These layers are carefully arranged in space to create a three-dimensional cloud form that evolves and changes as viewers navigate around it. Gentle pinks and deep blues ripple through the see-through layers, producing fleeting, ephemeral shapes that resemble natural clouds. A mirrored ceiling overhead amplifies the illusion, making the artwork seem to reach upward beyond the ceiling and possibly drift into another dimension.

Commissioned by the State of Kansas, Spriggs was inspired by the “magnificent and ever-changing Kansas sky.” The name _Astra_ is a reference to the Kansas Latin motto “Ad Astra per Aspera,” which translates to “to the stars through difficulty.” Permanently installed in the Robert B. Docking State Office Building in Topeka, _Astra_ serves as a beacon of openness and innovation. This inventive installation encourages visitors to delve into its complex layers and observe the brilliant blend of art and environment. To discover more of David Spriggs’ captivating creations, visit his website.

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