Light Bright

JOHN WIGMORE'S SCULPTURES ARE ALL AGLOW

Art collectors with an appreciation for Minimalist design covet the light sculptures created by 34-year-old John Wigmore. Seen most recently in New York City galleries, the ethereal pieces, constructed of Japanese paper and stainless-steel rods, define an interior space with ambient luminescence and shadow. His latest work, currently on display in the American Pavilion V.I.P. suite—a 5,000square-foot area designed by Thom Filicia—at the 2005 World Expo, in Aichi, Japan, consists of five horizontal pieces ranging from 7 to 15 feet long. "He's a great, young American artist working in an interesting medium," says Filicia, who saw Wigmore's work at a friend's house five years ago, immediately fell in love with it, and has been commissioning him for projects ever since. Wigmore seems to be following in the tradition of American Minimalism exemplified by artist Donald Judd, whose interest in form and material extended from the purely aesthetic to interior design. Judging by Wigmore's impressive client list—it includes Peter Jennings, Tom Hanks, and Gwyneth Paltrow—this direction has served him well. As for the future, Wigmore says he will continue to "create an experience where the Minimalist idea shines through and to test my own limits.

KATIE SHARER