About Scott

Baltimore City - Station North A&E District

Scott Pennington is a Baltimore-based artist specializing in large-scale participatory installation and sculptural assemblage works. Drawing upon his background as a furniture and cabinet-maker, Pennington utilizes woodworking and construction techniques to create colorful, detailed works of art that engage varied audiences and invigorate public spaces. Pennington’s work suggests a tangible, yet illusory reality that examines labor, consumer culture, the pursuit of simple pleasures, and the… more

Two-Minute Joys

2018 Solo show at Maryland Art Place in Baltimore, Md. 

We live in a world of time clocks, traffic jams, inescapable commercialism, and overbearing religious ideals. For many people, much of modern life is a struggle to find and maintain some level of fulfillment and happiness—while fending off the continuous voices that tell us what we should think and how we should do things. We are taught to fear everything and fall in line. Some people enable themselves to rise above, but others simply hope for a momentary distraction from the repressive forces of our society. Growing up in a small Maryland town, the traveling carnival that came for a single week every summer was just such a distraction for many families including my own. We would anticipate the sounds, sights, and smells of this miraculous event all year, attending the annual spectacle with an almost spiritual devotion. The social space that the gathering of rides, games and attractions creates is a comforting yet surreal landscape that seems to strike at our inner most desires to be transported from normality.  The primal lure of these garish structures draw us in—offering promises of delight and joy like sirens on the sea. We allow ourselves to be seduced, knowing all the while that it is really our money that this beautiful capitalist creation wants.

My work emulates the hypnotic patterns and tidal rhythms of the carnival. I investigate the way that multiple components and systems work together, drifting in and out of synchronicity while striving to maintain the overall continuity of a single organic landscape. I am enthralled by the engineering and technology that goes into the giant machines built to twist, turn and shake us for two minutes—all while we are mesmerized and hypnotized by the bright-blinking and chasing lights. Through sculpture and installation, utilizing programmed lighting technology, I explore the nostalgic and captivating nature of the idealized carnival landscape. While maintaining the impermanent feel of this temporary wonderland, I distill its visual effects and psychological components down to a condensed and refined experience, creating moments where viewers can gather and pay homage via a concentrated dose of electric joy. 

  • MAP Back Room edit.jpg
    MAP Back Room edit.jpg
    Arcade Cascade and Trade-Up installation view at Maryland Art Place 2018
  • MAP Front Room edit.jpg
    MAP Front Room edit.jpg
    The Serpent, Duck Pond III and Diamonds, Installtion view at Maryland Art Place 2018
  • "Trade-Up" and "Arcade Cascade"
    Installation view from my solo show at Maryland Art Place in 2018
  • "Trade-Up"
    2018 13' x 13' x 10' Micro controllers, Incandescent light bulbs, plywood, sheet metal, inflatable toys, latex paint The installation references carnival game play and takes advantage of a pre-existing stage at Maryland Art Place to accentuate the unattainability of ‘the prize’. The piece attempts to demonstrate that despite our attempts to ‘play the game’ be it in the world of business, love, financial gain or even art, so many of our actions, working toward our goals, are futile attempts. ‘The game’ merely exists as a stage for those already in positions of power to watch those ‘beneath them’ struggle through a distracting set of actions that will ultimately provide no meaningful reward.
  • "Arcade Cascade"
    "Arcade Cascade"
    "Arcade Cascade" 2018 9" x 13" x 9" Plywood, incandescent light bulbs, latex paint, micro-controllers
  • "Integrated Carnival Energy Systems" aka "The Serpent"
    10' x 48' x 6"' Micro controllers, Incandescent light bulbs, plywood, sheet metal, LED lighting, acrylic sheeting, glitter, latex paint This Light based art installation was created in 2017 for a solo show at Penn State University where it stretched across 3 gallery walls. This video shows the installation on a single wall at Maryland Art Place in 2018.
  • "Trade-Up" detail
    "Trade-Up" detail
    Detail of the installation "Trade-Up" 2018
  • "Trade-Up" detail
    "Trade-Up" detail
  • Detail, Integrated ICES / The Serpent
    Detail, Integrated ICES / The Serpent
  • Discussing light based Art
    Discussing light based Art
    Discussing lighting technology at the opening of "Two-Minute Joys" with fellow light artist Sean Hennessy. I love this photo taken by photographer Kyle Bergner, because it shows a certain confidence, strength and fulfillment that accompanies an accomplishment like the opening of a large solo show. Being an artist can be a struggle and when I question myself its nice to look back and see a moments like this, captured and preserved by a fellow artist.

Integrated Carnival Energy Systems / The Serpent

Integrated Carnival Energy Systems / The Serpent
2017
Plywood, Sheet metal, Plexi-glass, LEDs, Incandescent light bulbs, Glitter, Micro-controller
 

A solo show at Penn State University in the fall of 2017.

  • Installation view, Integrated ICES / The Serpent
    Installation view, Integrated ICES / The Serpent
  • Detail, Integrated ICES / The Serpent
    Detail, Integrated ICES / The Serpent
  • Scott Pennington, ICES
  • Installation view, Integrated ICES / The Serpent
    Installation view, Integrated ICES / The Serpent
  • Detail, Integrated ICES / The Serpent
    Detail, Integrated ICES / The Serpent
  • Diamonds
    Diamonds
    A part of the installtion "Integrated Carnival Energy Systems" as seen from outside of the Gallery windows.
  • Installtion view, Diamonds
    Installtion view, Diamonds
    A part of the installtion "Integrated Carnival Energy Systems" as seen from outside of the Gallery windows.

Duck Pond III

Duck Pond III 
2017
9' diameter
Plywood, Sheet metal, Plexi-glass, LEDs, Incandescent light bulbs, Glitter, Micro-controller
  • Duck Pond III
    Duck Pond III
  • Scott Pennington, Duck Pond III
    DuckPond III 2017 Raw footage
  • Duck Pond III
    Duck Pond III
  • Duck Pond III
    Duck Pond III
  • Duck Pond III
    Duck Pond III

Bombers

Bombers
2017
12' x 18' x 6"
Plywood, Sheet metal, Plexi-glass, LEDs, Micro-Controller

As a child I was fascinated by the machines of war, by the power and seeming grace of missiles and aircraft.  These were my familiar toys writ large and potent, inspiring thoughts of adventure and heroism in my early life.  All that comes after the arc of the plane, the plummet of its cargo, was invisible to me, obscured by the sheltering media and by sheer distance from those un-exceptional un-American places where the consequences of warfare are everyday reality. 
 In some ways, little has changed with maturity.  I hear and see reports from distant lands: abstractions for an audience who does not really want to know; simplified sequences of events that are familiar in their outlines, devoid of brutal detail and confusing complication.  It occurs to me that a great many Americans are rendered childlike in our relationship to military technologies- some by our trust in the judgment of authorities who assume responsibility for their use, others by our frustrated helplessness to stop them.   In either case, our innocence of the war machines’ flesh and blood effects is preserved.  The damage done we do not understand.
  • Bombers
    Bombers
  • Scott Pennington, Bombers, Baltimore, MD 2017
  • Bombers
    Bombers
  • Bombers
    Bombers
    Gallery/Installation view

Plaza

"Plaza" is an interactive installation included in  "Light City Baltimore"2016 in Baltimore, MD made possible through funding provided by Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts. Plaza is a series of gate-like structures inspired by the architecture of carnival rides, old-school roadside signage, and the hypnotic and seductive energy of the Vegas-Style marquee. Adorned with blinking, chasing lights and colorful illuminated panels, the structures are arranged into a garden-like setting that suggests a sort of randomness, as if this temporary wonderland mysteriously appeared overnight. Plaza aims to function as a visual playground of architectural relics- one that invites viewers to stroll through and immerse themselves in colossal forms and pulsating light.
 
  • Scott Pennington, Plaza, Baltimore MD, 2016
  • The Zipper
    The Zipper
  • The Spider
    The Spider
  • The Motel
    The Motel
  • Plaza
    Plaza
    Night shot of PLAZA
  • The Fibonacci
    The Fibonacci
  • Plaza
    Plaza
    Daytime installation view. Several of Plaza's benches can be seen among the structures.
  • The Zipper
    The Zipper
    Daytime view of The Zipper
  • The Motel
    The Motel
    Daytime view of The Motel
  • The Fibonacci
    The Fibonacci
    Daytime view of The Fibonacci

Electro-Duct

"Electro-Duct" is a one night installation hosted by 'Napoleon Gallery' on  The Reading Viaduct in Philadelphia, PA.  The Installation employs the hypnotic and seductive energy of carnival rides, old-school roadside signage, and the Vegas-Style marquee in a reaction to the surrounding industrial architecture of the viaduct. The animated beacon imposes itself into the preexisting industrial environment of the railroad, warmly insisting to the viewer that it belongs there. 
  • Electro-duct
    Electro-duct
  • DSC_0609 edited baker.jpg
    DSC_0609 edited baker.jpg
  • Electro-Duct
    Electro-Duct
    Electro-Duct viewed from Napoleon Gallery during daylight hours
  • Electro-Duct
    Electro-Duct

Carnival Interior

Carnival interior is an interactive installation creating a meditative 'sanctuary' that explores social interaction within a space utilizing a carnival aesthetic. The gallery space has been modified to create an entry point that would give visitors an immediate symmetrical view of the installation. A large, upholstered banquette  is placed in each of the 4 corners that provides slightly reclined seating and keeps a viewers feet off of the floor in a manner similar to the seat of a carnival ride. A large "duck pond fountain" sits in the center of the room and contains wooden ducks that circulate around the pond. Large spinning wheels are mounted on 3 of the walls.
  • Scott Pennington, Carnival Interior, 2015
  • Carnival Interior
    Carnival Interior
  • Carnival Interior
    Carnival Interior
    Upholstered banquette detail
  • Carnival Interior
    Carnival Interior
    Wooden duck detail.
  • Carnival Interior
    Carnival Interior
    Installation shot from "Carnival Interior" 2015
  • Carnival Interior
    Carnival Interior
    Wooden ducks and carnival wheel
  • Carnival Interior
    Carnival Interior
    View of entry way from inside of the installation
  • Carnival Interior
    Carnival Interior
    Installation view from entry

SuperGame!

SuperGame! was conceived and designed by Scott Pennington, executed in collaboration with Adam Franchino, and involved contributions from dozens of other artists and volunteers.

Introduced at Baltimore’s Artscape in July of 2014, SuperGame! inhabits a large colorful structure with a nostalgic carnival aesthetic. Game operators invite festival goers to interact with the installation by playing 5 classic carnival games, each with a twist based on contemporary culture. Players are rewarded for playing each of the five games with a custom-designed hand stamp.

In the evening SuperGame! is lit by an elaborate series of programmed LED lights, designed specifically for this piece, which are integrated into the structure. Game play is accompanied by a lively sound track of new and old songs as well as sound pieces created by contributing artists.
  • Political Punk Rack
    Political Punk Rack
    A classic punk rack, also know historically known as ‘Tip the cat’ in the case of SuperGame!, the targets were politicians, celebrities, and TV personalities. Players threw bean bags printed with images of shoes, to try and topple their favorite, or least favorite president, despot, or wild card celebrity. Game design in collaboration with Melissa Webb.
  • Danger Beach Ball Roll
    Danger Beach Ball Roll
    Players manipulated a tilting play field to maneuver a ball thorough various ocean-themed obstacles and safely reach the beach! Game play is accompanied by lights and sounds reminiscent of an old school pinball machine.
  • Battleship Duck Pond
    Battleship Duck Pond
    A twelve-foot battleship houses a classic duck pond. Try your luck, pick a duck!
  • World Destruction Ring Toss
    World Destruction Ring Toss
    A classic ring toss, but in the SuperGame! version, players threw rings around objects that they wanted to save from certain environmental destruction, such as toy dinosaurs, unicorns, and a Gene Simmons doll, sparing them from catastrophic earthquakes, volcano eruptions, and tidal waves. Game design in collaboration with Alishea Galvin and Alicia Puglionesi.
  • Black Hole Corn Hole
    Black Hole Corn Hole
    Players threw bean bags printed with satellites into a small hole on a spinning disc. A direct hit popped a balloon, stopping alien invaders from emerging through the black hole and conquering the earth… Game design by Adam Franchino.
  • SuperGame!
    SuperGame!
    Overall view, opposite angle
  • SuperGame!
    SuperGame!
    Nighttime view
  • SuperGame!
    SuperGame!
    View from above, atop the ferris wheel... Photo by Katherine Crosby
  • SuperGame!
    SuperGame!
    Overall view

The Foam Incident

Pink and Blue Dilemma: The Foam Incident is a performance/installation introduced at Baltimore's Artscape in July 2010, seen again in Scottsdale, AZ in March of 2013 and in Arlington, VA in September of 2015. It consists of an 8 'x 8' x 13' tall structure resembling a factory, a 3' x 4' x 6' foam production unit and numerous smaller elements including road blocks and signage.
Throughout the festivals the 'foam unit' periodically spews foam resembling industrial waste onto the street. Technicians/Performers dressed in pink and blue protective gear then try to manage and neutralize the spill using various tools including brooms, shovels, garden sprayers and a leaf blower. Despite the projected, hazardous nature of the situation technicians strip down to a swimsuit version of the protective gear and encourage spectators to dance and play in the foam until it stops flowing.
  • PBD: The Foam Incident
  • Installation view
    Installation view
    Photo by Melissa Webb
  • Foam Flow withTechnicians at Scottsdale (AZ) Arts Festival, March 2013
    Foam Flow withTechnicians at Scottsdale (AZ) Arts Festival, March 2013
  • Technicians at Scottsdale (AZ) Arts Festival, March 2013
    Technicians at Scottsdale (AZ) Arts Festival, March 2013
  • Technicians encourage viewers to enjoy the foam
    Technicians encourage viewers to enjoy the foam
    Photo by Melissa Webb
  • Foam begins to flow and technicians attempt to contain it
    Foam begins to flow and technicians attempt to contain it
    Photo by Melissa Webb
  • Technicians with a fan
    Technicians with a fan
    Photo by Melissa Webb

Interstellar species Survey

The Interstellar Species Survey is an interactive installation/performance created for Artscape 2008 in collaboration with Paige Shuttleworth. It consists of a 9' tall x 18' diameter, octagonal spacecraft and 8 performers in elaborate "alien" costumes. The craft's interior contains numerous control panels, simulated technology and various tests that spectators were subjected to upon entering the installation. Several video displays run throughout the day accompanied by a soundtrack of ambient 'alien noise'. As the sun set the craft is lit from the inside with built-in light effects and projections onto the fabric hull that are visible from inside and out.
  • ISS crew discuss options
    ISS crew discuss options
    Photo by Nancy Froehlich
  • An alien agent diligently at work
    An alien agent diligently at work
    Photo by Nancy Froehlich
  • Agent prepares to engage subjects
    Agent prepares to engage subjects
    Photo by Nancy Froehlich
  • After testing subjects are stamped
    After testing subjects are stamped
    Photo by Nancy Froehlich
  • Spectators are anxious to be experimented upon
    Spectators are anxious to be experimented upon
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    dscn1391.jpg
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    img_2395.jpg
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    img_2543.jpg
  • Installation exterior and performers
    Installation exterior and performers
    Photo by Nancy Froehlich