Constellation is a large–scale sculptural installation by the Beacon based artist Melissa McGill which brings together light and form, history and phenomenology. A series of 17 slender tapered aluminum poles are installed above the decaying ruins of Bannerman Castle, a fantastic castle built by an eccentric arms dealer at the turn of the 20th century on Pollepel Island, in the Hudson Valley. Small lights (solar powered LEDs) are installed on the top of each pole, creating a visual vertical rhythm around the ruin drawing the eye upward while accentuating ideas of absence versus presence.

Constellation

Hovering around the perimeter of the Bannerman castle ruin, these lighted points refer to features of the structure still standing, as well as those details which no longer exist—creating a new constellation connecting past and present through this inspiring light-based public art project—bringing new energy to this majestic part of the Hudson River, and the Hudson Highlands State Park.

Constellation is currently on view nightly until 2017. Further information about the project are available here including a video featuring Constellation.