The Solar Pylon,
a kinetic sculpture

On a rhomboid base the pylon’s shape becomes increasingly narrower rising obliquely to the sky. In the upper third of the supporting structure two of its parts contain solar cells. The top of the pylon carries a spheric shape which is formed by a simple construction of metal rods. This translucent sphere represents the sun and its power. Below this part protrudes a sloping steel element whose most outreaching tip is crowned by two more spheres representing the earth and the moon.
If light hits the solar cells of the pylon it produces voltage, and electricity makes the branch reaching into space rotate slowly round the centre. This rotation creates changing shades, reflections of light and constantly new views of this kinetic work of art. After dark the solar pylon stops moving.
Beyond the esthetic aspect the sculpture is to visualize the relationship between sun, earth and moon. Disregarding their exact proportions the interdependence of sun, moon and man is demonstrated, which is “sparked off” when the smaller globe of the earth with the moon only then rotates round the globe of the sun when the solar light activates the photovoltaic solar cells. Both on the emotional and on the cognitive level the connections between human life within the cosmos become evident to the spectator of the sculpture. The high curves of the supporting structure may symbolize the human aspirations of aiming into space, his wish for more freedom and transcendency.
Looking at the sculpture as a whole, in the balance of dynamically rising linear elements and spheric shapes it represents the male and female principles of life. Thus it displays the vital original power of human life in complete harmony. In a playful way the sculpture of the solar pylon is meant to reflect the knowledge nearly all cultures are familiar with: Man is part of a cosmic creation whose preservation will be the greatest future challenge to mankind

.Reiner Pochadt