Material: Acrylic Glass, Crystal,
Dimensions: H: 5cm, W: 30cm, L: 126cm
Team:
Arthur Clay
Chiara Gemma Fedon
ABOUT
Central to the Space Art Gallery Demonstrator is a meticulously crafted replica of a 1960s rocket, constructed entirely from laser-cut acrylic glass containing mirrored, colored, and transparent elements. Positioned on a rotational stand and illuminated from below, this rocket serves a dual purpose within the demonstrator.
As a sculpture, the rocket stands as an independent artwork designed to serve as a focal point for the theme of Space Art. Its intricate design and aesthetic appeal make it a striking centerpiece. However, the rocket is also functional, featuring an integrated light reflector embedded within its fuselage. This reflector transforms the rocket into a star projector, akin to Moholy-Nagy's light modulator, giving it a dual role as both art and a tool for creating an immersive experience.
The projector component interacts with the rocket optically by reflecting and refracting light across the rocket’s reflector system. This interaction transforms the rocket into a dynamic light modulator, projecting patterns that evoke the ambiance of cosmic travel. The resulting effect is a captivating play of light, creating a dynamic interplay of reflections that simulate the appearance of a stellar galaxy.
These reflections effectively transform the gallery space into a celestial realm, offering viewers an immersive experience akin to exploring the vastness of outer space. The Space Art constellation within the gallery is created by a series of asterisms, recognizable patterns formed by the grouping of stars.
This effect is made possible through a novel star projection system that combines the reflector housed within the rocket and the light projector at its base. The rocket itself is created out of a cluster of single planes held together by circular elements, termed star templates, which contain perforations for each of the asterisms.
Light patterns from the projector are directed to the rocket's reflector through the templates, which in turn refracts the asterisms onto the rocket's mirrored surfaces. This process fills the room with all of the asterisms, forming the Space Art Constellation and completing the immersive experience.