Illumi-nest

Andy Brattain & Matthew Crosland

Description: Large nest-like cocoons made of both natural materials and fabricated parts. Mostly with a “found object” approach to materials.

Backstory: The animals that live in the nests gather available resources to help shield themselves and create shelter. As time goes on and industry marches forward, these materials become more varied in texture and resilience. When I approached the location of the illumination festival was struck by the contrast of the soaring soulless high rises in the area pressed against the wild expanse of the Hudson River. Oddly, wedged within this dichotomy is this cluster of trees. Almost set up in an intentional way or a “design” but altogether a little chaotic and just barely surviving. Within these treetops, mysterious nesting creatures have gathered branches and twigs, plastics and electricity from its environment. They’ve crafted their little shelters and the shelters are illuminated from within by a combination of lustrous materials and stolen electricity from the surroundings.

About the artist: Established in 2016 by Andy Brattain and Matthew Crosland, Bratland Inc. was born from a love of art, design, fashion, film, music and mayhem. With over three decades of collective expertise in live events and the performing arts we took our talents and set out to form a new company and a new way of life for ourselves. Our life’s moto, “Yes And…” revolves around embracing innovation, creating meaningful connections, and cultivating dynamic collaborations. Our home base is Manhattan but the whole wide wicked world is where we call home