Artist and scientist, Brandon’s transdisciplinary practice captures his ability to connect citizens to scientific research and invite them to participate in ecosystem advocacy. Ballengee’s art is inspired by his ecological field investigations centered on herpetology and entomology.
In 2001, Ballengee started the series Love Motels for Insects; an ongoing project of outdoor installations that use ultra-violet lights behind enormous sculpted canvases to attract insects and create an opportunity for public interactions with nocturnal arthropods. The Love Motels become the backdrop for community events such as: picnics, biodiversity festivals, graffiti jams, political rallies, scientific investigations, musical events and even insect film screenings. The installation at Brightwalk is supporting Ballengee’s first inquiry in creating a site-specific permanent Love Motel for Insects.