Leo Villareal works with pixels and binary code to create complex, rhythmic compositions in light. His goal is to create a rich environment in which emergent behavior can occur without a preconceived outcome. His work is focused on stripping systems down to their essence to better understand the underlying structures and rules that govern how they work. He is interested in lowest common denominators such as pixels or the zeros and ones in binary code. The resulting forms move, change, interact and ultimately grow into complex organisms that are inspired by mathematician John Conway's work with cellular automata and the Game of Life. On March 5, 2013 Villareal inaugurated The Bay Lights, a 1.8-mile-long installation of 25,000 white LED lights on San Francisco’s Bay Bridge which has since become a permanent installation.
In April 2021, Villareal completed Illuminated River, which unites 9 bridges in central London into a single, monumental work of public art.
He and Zuckerman discuss different types of public art, connecting the flow state and creativity, circularity, being a beacon, personal and family history, NFTs, and yoga!