In an interview, artist Es Devlin discusses her radiant new project in Milan, expressing that a unique occurrence takes place during the nights.
News Article: Es Devlin's 'Library of Light' Illuminates Milan Design Week 2025
Prepare to be immersed in a world of knowledge and enlightenment as Es Devlin's 'Library of Light' graces the Pinacoteca di Brera during Milan Design Week 2025. This 18-meter revolving cylindrical sculpture, formed of luminous shelves containing over 3,000 books, is more than just a spectacle; it's a tribute to the intellectual legacy of Maria Gaetana Agnesi, an 18th-century mathematician and philosopher.
A pioneering figure in her time, Agnesi wrote one of the first comprehensive textbooks on calculus, Analytical Institutions, in 1748. Her work bridged the gap between classical geometry and modern calculus, making complex mathematical ideas accessible and influencing later mathematicians like Euler and Lagrange.
Devlin's installation honours Agnesi as a symbol of intellectual rigour and enlightenment. The installation uses light and architecture to evoke themes of knowledge, clarity, and revelation, reflecting Agnesi’s role as a trailblazer in mathematical thought. The top of the cylindrical bookshelf features an angled mirrored plane that reflects the sun's light, changing the experience depending on the time of day.
After dark, visitors are invited to stay beyond the usual 7.15pm closing time to witness light streaming from the library, casting poetic shadows across the courtyard's columns and statues. The installation also includes collective readings, featuring excerpts from The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch.
The 'Library of Light' is set within the imposing 17th-century Cortile d'Onore, where statues of scholars holding instruments of knowledge stand as a testament to the intellectual pursuits that took place within these walls. The Pinacoteca di Brera, located within the historic Palazzo di Brera, houses several other cultural institutions, including the Braidense National Library, the Astronomical Observatory, the Botanical Garden, and the Academy of Fine Arts.
Visitors are encouraged to browse and donate books to expand the public archive of 'Library of Light'. The donated books will be integrated into the Milan Library System and continue their journey in the hands of new readers.
Es Devlin was inspired by both Agnesi and psychiatrist and neuroscientist Iain McGilchrist for the 'Library of Light' project. The experience is particularly special during the evenings, as light and shade become very distinct, the sky turns a particularly deep blue, and the lights of the library contrast against it.
'Library of Light' is part of the Salone del Mobile 2025, which takes place from 8-13 April. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of knowledge and be inspired by the intellectual legacy of Maria Gaetana Agnesi. The installation will be on view at Pinacoteca di Brera until 21 April 2025.
Engage in a captivating home-and-garden setting as you explore Es Devlin's 'Library of Light', lavishly displayed within the Pinacoteca di Brera's Cortile d'Onore throughout Milan Design Week 2025. This unique blend of lifestyle and intellectual enlightenment features a 18-meter revolving bookshelf, offering an engaging experience for design enthusiasts and literature lovers alike.
