FULL SPECTRUM
Responding to the London Design Biennale 2018 theme of Emotional States, I wanted to explore a positive emotion, and represent a positive Australia. When same-sex marriage became legal in December 2017, there was instantly a new tangible feeling in the air of what love means. I was inspired by this new notion of love and decided I would use this as the starting point for my Australian pavilion.
Full Spectrum is a tactile and immersive light screen installation that aims to re-create the feeling of love through light. I see love as a full spectrum emotion and have used the full spectrum of colour. Visitors are invited to interact with the strands of fibre optic light and hopefully connect with the feeling of love washing through Australia right now. By creating an open space within the space, I invite the diverse range of visitors to share in a collective experience.
The structure was formed to trace the lines of the historic vaulted space at Somerset House, creating a link between modern Australia and the exhibition space in London. Using custom made LED modules and electronics, I was able to conceal the lighting technology within the refined structure so the focus would be on the luminous colour experience. I hope this installation sends a message to the many other countries where same-sex marriage is not currently legal and that love has the power to heal the world.
2018 Somerset House, London
Dimensions: ø5.5m x 3.5m high
Materials: Aluminium, steel, side emitting fibre optic strands, RGB LEDs with custom programming.
Supported by: Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian High Commission London, Arts Council England, Minderoo Foundation.
Custom lighting & support: Crescent Lighting
Further Support: Lighting Options Australia, Mondoluce
Assisted by: Reuben Kettle Aiers, Philipp Schenk-Mischke and Matthew Wright.
Photos: © Mark Cocksedge
Film: © Zetteler Films