In the Light of the Moon

Jen Fuller

Portland, OR

In the Light of the moon celebrates the remarkable world of night Pollinators and Olbrichs conservation efforts to provide a habitat for night specimens to thrive. Crafted in response to Olbrich’s request to highlight this often overlooked and special garden, returning artist Jen Fuller, brings nine native moths specimens to life in this handmade glass and acrylic sculpture. Set to Chopin’s Nocturne #20, three hundred night pollinators interplay with the all-white plantings under the beauty of a low hanging moon. Night Pollinators including bats, beetles, moths, and lightning bugs, play a critical roll to ecological diversity and nurturing them is vital. As the sculpture illuminates its home in the Moonlit Meadow, may it serve as a poignant reminder and inspiration to embrace our role as stewards of nature, ensuring a future where these captivating creatures can thrive under the light of the moon.

Pro Tip

Take time to enjoy the installation, but be mindful of allowing guests behind you to pass by.

Inside the Installation

Materials: Glass, Metal, Thermoformed PVC, Projectors, Audio

Artist Jen Fuller experiences a phenomenon known as synesthesia, where her senses intertwine in a unique way. When she sculpts, she not only sees her creations but also hears them. This condition allows her to perceive a sensory blend where the act of shaping her sculptures into a space is accompanied by auditory sensations. For Fuller, sculpting becomes a multisensory experience, creating a distinctive dimension and situational component to her artistic expression.

Chopin's Nocturne No. 20, Op. posth. in C-sharp minor, is a musical gem that carries profound emotions within its notes. Composed by Frédéric Chopin, this piece mirrors the reflective serenity of a moonlit night, inviting you to explore feelings of introspection and longing. Its tender melody, like moonlight on a calm pond, speaks directly to the heart, showcasing Chopin's mastery in conveying complex emotions through music

Moths: Nature's Night Owls: Moths, often mistaken for their daytime counterparts, butterflies, are the unsung heroes of the night. Their intricate wing patterns aren't just for show – they serve as natural camouflage, protecting them from predators as they flit from bloom to bloom, transferring pollen in the process.

Bats: Guardians of Night Blooms: Bats aren't just creatures of the night; they're essential guardians of our garden. With their exceptional echolocation skills, bats navigate through darkness and feast on insects that threaten the delicate balance of our nocturnal ecosystem, making them true allies in our moonlit paradise.

Taking the night shift, moths visit night-blooming plants with flowers that are typically white or pale in color.

Artist Bio

Jen Fuller

Portland artist Jen Fuller blends the contrasting aesthetics of glass and steel to create sculpture she refers to as “totems for the soul.” Motivated by the technical challenges inherent in transforming materials and spaces with history into time based experiences, her work reflects the transparency and vulnerability found in humanity and nature. Fuller’s recent work has been commissioned by Metro Regional Government, Ovation TV, Travel Oregon, The Portland Art Museum, Lan Su Chinese Garden, and private collectors. Fuller returns to Olbrich Garden this year for her second installation for GLEAM.