Installation creates prison of light

An amazing light installation that was on display at the Mapping Festival, which took place in Geneva between the 2nd - 12th May this year, trapped visitors in a prison of light.

Isotopes v.2 by Nonotak Studio was inspired by events surrounding the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami back in 2009. The result of this natural disaster led to a meltdown at the Fukushima's nuclear power plant, an event classed as a Level 7 Disaster, the highest level issued by the government.

The installation is an open space that slowly surrounds the visitor in a barrier of intense light, a play on human-kinds approach to nuclear power.

Watch a video of the installation in action below and for more information click here.

Abstract art that comes to life

London-based duo Tim Noble and Sue Webster have recently opened their first solo show since 2006 at Blain|Southern gallery in London.

The show is titled Nihilistic Optimistic and includes six large-scale sculptures built from what appear to be haphazard clumps of discarded wood. When illuminated by a light they create accurate self-portraits of the artists. 

The artists comment: 'Tim Noble and Sue Webster take ordinary things including rubbish, to make assemblages and then point light to create projected shadows which show a great likeness to something identifiable including self-portraits. The art of projection is emblematic of transformative art. The process of transformation, from discarded waste, scrap metal or even taxidermy creatures to a recognizable image, echoes the idea of ‘perceptual psychology’ a form of evaluation used for psychological patients. Noble and Webster are familiar with this process and how people evaluate abstract forms. Throughout their careers they have played with the idea of how humans perceive abstract images and define them with meaning. The result is surprising and powerful as it redefines how abstract forms can transform into figurative ones.'

The show runs until 24th November and you can find out more here.

Solar tree installation at CDW

Another impressive installation at this year's Clerkenwell Design Week was the 'Solar Tree', designed by Ross Lovegrove and manufactured by Artemide.

The structure combined solar power with night LED lighting in London's St. John's Square during the week and provided visitors with a piece of urban furniture modelled on natural forms.

Comprising 20 'stems' which led to six leaf-like solar panels and four large LED lights, the installation functioned completely independently for up to three days and could feed energy back into the grid.

A great installation. Find out and see more on Design Boom.

images © Ashley Bingham (A&M photography)

Liquid Space at Lumiere UK 2011

‘Lumiere‘ is an exhibition which will illuminate Durham’s historical buildings, streets and bridges for four nights in November; including a special exhibition of the interactive light artwork ‘Liquid Space‘.

LIQUID SPACE 6.0 is an interactive space that becomes physically bigger, smaller, and brighter in relation to human behavior. As an organic fusion of mechanisms, embedded electronics, sound, and LEDs, the artwork creates a playful dialogue with its visitors.

The first version of LIQUID SPACE 6.0 premiered in Japan as a commission for the Yamaguchi Center for Arts and Media. The project’s behavior evolves in relation to its visitors, creating a sensual coexistence. It can now be enjoyed across the city of Durham over four spectacular days.

Lumiere 2011 Artichoke, 17-20 November, Durham UK. To find out more about the exhibition, including a programme of events as well as places to stay please visit www.lumieredurham.co.uk or plusMOOD.

Image courtesy of Daan Roosegaarde