Waves was an interactive installation that drew inspiration from the misty mornings along Houston’s bayous, reimagining the delicate beauty of rising moisture and the ethereal play of light that dances above the water. The artwork recreated this natural spectacle through a mesmerizing display of form and illumination, evoking the Tyndall effect, the phenomenon of light rays gently undulating through mist. By translating this fleeting moment into an urban context, Waves offered a poetic reflection on Houston’s deep connection to its natural environment and its ever-evolving cultural landscape.
Created by Zhicheng Xu and Mengqi Moon He, co-founders of Hyperlocal, Waves embodies their shared exploration of culture, community, and the urban environment. Xu, an environmental artist, architect, and Rice University design educator, uncovers hidden narratives in land and materials, amplifying marginalized voices through art. Mengqi, an architectural designer and licensed city planner from Guangzhou, China, focuses on public engagement and large-scale urban projects, fostering meaningful connections between people, nature, and society.
Installed at the Ion Plaza in 2024, Waves transformed the space into a welcoming environment for rest and reflection. By day, its sculptural canopy offered shade and calm; by night, integrated LEDs glowed like a lantern, inviting visitors to pause, look up, and experience the gentle rhythm of light, air, and community that shapes Houston’s spirit.
Artist: Hyperlocal
Location: Ion District
Date: 2024
Type: Temporary Site-Specific Art Installation
Role: Public Art Curator at Ion District
Photos by Egidio Narvaez
Video by Marc Furi Creative