Interaction encouraged by metal art unveiled at Tysons Corner Center

(Updated at 1:50 p.m. on 4/6/2023) There are no “Do not touch” signs associated with the latest artworks installed at Tysons Corner Center.

The five metal sculptures in “Static Dynamism” — an exhibit by Fairfax County-based metal artist, engineer and sculptor J.P. Muller — are designed to be interactive, according to the mall.

Now displayed on the second floor of the Bloomingdale’s wing, Muller’s work is the second installation resulting from Tysons Corner Center’s partnership with ArtsFairfax, the county’s nonprofit arts agency.

The first installation featured paintings that were rescued from Afghanistan or created by artists who were evacuated after the Taliban took control of the country in August 2021. Curated by the street art collective ArtLords, the works were on display throughout January and February.

Announced on Monday (April 3), “Static Dynamism” will get a grand opening from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 20. Expected attendees include Muller, ArtsFairfax CEO Linda Sullivan, and Tysons Corner Center Director of Property Management Jesse Benites.

“As the name of the installation suggests, the pieces on display are static but were designed to be interactive and dynamic,” the mall and ArtsFairfax said in a press release. “Each piece changes with the participant’s vantage point as well as ambient conditions of the environment.”

The exhibit will remain on display through May 31.

ArtsFairfax is still accepting applications for future exhibits at Tysons Corner Center, a collaboration that will continue through the end of 2023.

“The goals for this art collaboration between Tysons Corner Center at ArtsFairfax is to create unique and interactive art environments, echo Tysons Corner Center as a contemporary and creative destination, and most importantly, to showcase the talents of local artists and arts organizations,” the press release said.

Descriptions of the individual pieces in “Static Dynamism” from Muller are below.

Mr. Moire’ (Monsuier Moire – Mon Onkle Hienz)

A 5′ wide x 10′ tall homage to the effect (Moire’), An interference pattern created by juxtaposing two patterns against one another. Surface Texture is called swordplay, as the motions were Thrust, Parry, Slash, and stab.

Pin Toy Meditation Wall

As its name suggests, this is a giant toy with which you create your own art. The use is self explanatory as any child would tell you, and as many have already.

Working Mans Coffee Table

Another fun piece built from tools used and parts made from those tools. I pay homage to all those who make things for a living and the tools they use to produce the fruit of their labors.

Fantasma Photonico

Spanish for Ghost of the Light – The various layers of the dichroic show and then hide the layers within it, creating an illusion of what should not be possible, i.e. things that both exist and don’t.

Euclidian Interlude

Named after Euclid – considered the father of geometry. In Euclidian geometry, no two solid objects can occupy the same space simultaneously; these planes intersect each other in ways that should not be possible overlaid with a hand ground pattern that moves with the intersecting light and painted with transparent coloration as another layer of irony.