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LIGHTING ARTISTS Lighting artists have always understood the power of light to play with our perception of a space. They have exploited that quality by lighting objects in a particular way (Olafur Eliasson’s strobe-lit fountains, for instance), used self-illuminated sources such as fluorescent and neon tubes to redefine the idea of solidity (Dan Flavin), or illuminated vertical and horizontal planes with colour to melt away boundaries (James Turrell). All light art has lessons and inspiration
for architectural lighting and interior design. In many cases the two spheres have merged and it is increasingly dificult to say where one starts and the other ends.
FIAT LUX.3 ARCHITECTURES OF LIGHT, MADRID DESIGN FESTIVAL
ANTONI AROLA/SIMON ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING
The Fiat Lux.3 Architectures of Light installation was created by lighting designer Antoni Arola and Spanish electrical accessories, controls and luminaire manufacturer Simon. It was located in the Cultural Centre of Villa Fernán-Góm at the Madrid Design Festival in February and March this year. The premise is simple, using a smoke machine, lasers and objects including a small tree to create ‘non-existent spaces’. ‘Architecture is created from light,’ says Arola. ‘Light is a building material. Non-existent spaces appear out of nowhere, mutate, mix, cut, dialogue and fade away.’ The exhibition hall was filled with smoke at timed intervals while lasers positioned on lighting stands created two-dimensional planes of light that sliced through the smoke. These two-dimensional planes formed walls of light, which Arola describes as ‘construction elements’ that change and move as they are interrupted by objects and passing visitors.
‘This set-up is designed to invoke unique sensations and emotions in each visitor and showcase light as a creative element with a great ability to transform,’ says Simon. A tree forms a focal point for the exhibition and is fitted to a motorised base that slowly spins and rotates. Lasers were positioned facing the tree and panned side-to-side to create piercing strips of light as the planes came into contact with the tree’s rotating branches. Wooden panels suspended from the ceiling and the equipment also interrupted the light paths to create openings within the spaces. A soundscape by Mans O was paired with the light installation to provide visitors with an immersive experience.
The installation forms part of an ongoing project with Arola and Simon that evolves and adapts to different spaces as it moves location. It was previously shown at Catalonia’s Lluèrnia festival in 2021.
estudiantoniarola.com |
simonelectric.com
MIGUEL DE GUZMÁN
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