Tilescape
2024
Design + Production:
Graham Kelman
Graham Kelman
Tilescape is an ongoing series of sculptural light installations composed of tessellating concrete modules that transform simple repeating geometries into expressive architectural landscapes. Individually cast elements aggregate into continuously expanding surfaces where integrated programmable lighting introduces rhythm, movement, and shifting fields of color, exploring the relationship between modular systems, materiality, light, and perception.
The Process
Fabrication — Each tile was individually cast over several months using a mold system that ensures geometric consistency while allowing for subtle variations in texture. The tiles were then composed into larger arrangements, exploring how the same basic unit can create dramatically different visual effects depending on configuration and scale. Each element is made with poured concrete bleached white with titanium dioxide. The light tiles are created with resin mixed with acrylic paint to create a diffusion filter for the light, all mounted on thin, reinforced poured concrete panels. The lighting is composed of programmable LED hexagonal panels, that illuminate through the sculpture.
Contrast — The project deliberately employs contrasting properties: rigid concrete against ethereal light, mathematical precision against organic appearance, industrial materials against imperfect hand-craftsmanship.
Contrast — The project deliberately employs contrasting properties: rigid concrete against ethereal light, mathematical precision against organic appearance, industrial materials against imperfect hand-craftsmanship.
Geometric Principles — The foundation of TILESCAPE is a custom-designed geometric form that perfectly tessellates, similar to mathematical tile patterns found in nature and architecture. This modular approach creates a system where complexity emerges from simplicity—a single shape repeated creates intricate patterns that appear to transform across the sculpture's surface.
Materials & Construction — Each element is made with poured concrete bleached white with titanium dioxide. The light tiles are created with resin mixed with acrylic paint to create a diffusion filter for the light, all mounted on thin, reinforced poured concrete panels. The lighting is composed of programmable LED hexagonal panels, that illuminate through the sculpture.
Finished Works
TILESCAPE 01
2024
20” x 20” x 4”
Concrete, Titanium Dioxide, Resin, Acrylic, Programmable LED tiles, Wood, and Steel Hardware
2024
20” x 20” x 4”
Concrete, Titanium Dioxide, Resin, Acrylic, Programmable LED tiles, Wood, and Steel Hardware
TILESCAPE 02
2024
20” x 20” x 4”
Concrete, Titanium Dioxide, Resin, Acrylic, Programmable LED tiles, Wood, and Steel Hardware
2024
20” x 20” x 4”
Concrete, Titanium Dioxide, Resin, Acrylic, Programmable LED tiles, Wood, and Steel Hardware
TILESCAPE 03
2024
20” x 20” x 4”
Concrete, Titanium Dioxide, Resin, Acrylic, Programmable LED tiles, Wood, and Steel Hardware
2024
20” x 20” x 4”
Concrete, Titanium Dioxide, Resin, Acrylic, Programmable LED tiles, Wood, and Steel Hardware
TILESCAPE 04
2024
20” x 20” x 4”
Concrete, Titanium Dioxide, Resin, Acrylic, Programmable LED tiles, Wood, and Steel Hardware
2024
20” x 20” x 4”
Concrete, Titanium Dioxide, Resin, Acrylic, Programmable LED tiles, Wood, and Steel Hardware
Architectural Potential — This series represents an initial exploration of a system designed for architectural applications. The tessellating principle allows the concept to scale from discrete wall installations to potentially room-sized environments where the geometry could wrap across walls, ceilings, and floors to create immersive spatial experiences.
Artist/Photography: Graham Kelman
Digital Fabrication Consultant: Chris Malloy
