London-based artist and poet Robert Montgomery uses the power of language to reflect his thoughts on a myriad of topics in public areas. His sculptural messages, known as Recycled Sunlight Pieces, are candidly poetic typographic installations that are powered by sunlight. Using solar panels, the Scottish wordsmith is able to illuminate his lyrical thoughts to anyone willing to spend a moment to read them. At times they can be controversial, but there are also those that resonate deeply with audiences, letting them know that everything is okay.
Speaking about his piece that reads ‘THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE BECOME GHOSTS INSIDE OF YOU AND LIKE THIS YOU KEEP THEM ALIVE' Montgomery says in an interview with Dazed Digital: “It's made from recycled sunlight – the sculpture recycles sunlight to illuminate itself, as a metaphor for what we do when we remember someone we love. And I really like the idea of ghosts as a positive thing….” He explains, “I've lost a couple of really close friends who have died very young. My two closest friends from art college already died for example and I think when that happens it makes you turn to those questions. I find ideas of angels and ghosts very comforting in that context. I find the idea that somehow love can triumph over death an idea I need to keep sane.”
