Dazzling multimedia art installation inspires personal contemplation among campus community

As twilight gave way to dusk across campus, the thousand people gathered in concentric arcs in the Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden shared an awestruck silence. On a giant screen in front of them, wavelike forms shape-shifted into explosions of brilliant colors that danced in rhythm to the sounds of the sea and crescendoing strings. The dynamic multimedia installation "Moment of Reflection" — created by UCLA alumnus and media artist Refik Anadol using millions of images of the natural world — invited attendees to transcend their surroundings and contemplate the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on their lives. "There are times when the language of art can speak to us most deeply," UCLA Chancellor Gene Block said as he addressed those gathered. The special evening ceremony was designed to allow members of the Bruin community and the public to take stock of the toll of the pandemic and remember those we've lost. "It can allow us to hear what is in our hearts, and it can help us understand what we need in order to heal." Block expressed gratitude for the diverse audience of students, faculty, staff and visitors and extended a special welcome to the families and loved ones of those who died during the past two years. Acknowledging that the pandemic affected everyone differently, Block encouraged each person to explore the ideas and emotions Anadol's work provoked and inspired.