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Solaris: A sea of all colors – by Luftwerk

Temporary exhibition: September 23, 2015 through September 22, 2016.

Location: Garfield Park Conservatory

The enter to the conservatory and the exhibition is free!

Luftwerk is collaboration of Chicago artists Petra Bachmaier and Sean Gallero. They use light-color-sound to sculpt immersive three dimensional environments. Viewers can be spectators and observe from outside; or become participants as they are welcomed to walk into the created  environment.

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Solaris at Garfield Park Conservatory is the latest in the series of light-color-sound installations by Luftwerk. Over the years they have delighted the viewers with their artistic vision at some prime location like Millennium Park [Luminous Field -2012], Chicago Cultural Center [Shift -2013], Loop Alley [Flow/ Im Fluss – 2014], and Farnsworth House [INsite- 2014].

One feature about Luftwerk installations is that they are site-specific. Solaris is no exception. It is a response to the Garfield Park Conservatory’s historic structure and plant collection. The conservatory referred to as “landscape art under glass,” was designed by Jens Jensen in collaboration with Prairie School architects. Jensen conceived the conservatory as a series of naturalistic landscapes under glass. Luftwerk’s installation inspired by this vision.  Solarise -a sea of all colors – is a nexus of art and science and embodies STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math).   There are five installations: The  Beacon, Portal, Florescence, Seed of Light, and Prismatic. Each piece connects the visitor to the natural surroundings. Like the “Portal” beautifully fragments and abstracts the nature around it, while “Florescence” submerges the viewers in spectrum of light that plants use in photosynthesis. My favorite perhaps is the kinetic chandelier “Seed of Light”, which alludes to the flow of life. Each installation is unique, and highlights the complex interaction between light color and nature. The immersive experience of being submerged in a sea of all colors stays with us, long after we have left the site.

 

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PORTAL

Portal is a series of mirrors in the Palm House. It at once frames the legendary “spring song waterfall,” of the Fern Room, and reflects the natural surrounding in which it is situated. Portal, consists of multiple mirrors over a reflection pool. With its multi-faceted use of mirrors, the installation mimics  its surrounding while also fragmenting and abstracting the figures of flora blooming in the space.

 

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FLORESCENCE

Florescence is inspired by the blue and red spectrum of sunlight that plants utilize to photosynthesize growth. There is a huge sculpture of red and blue petals making a canopy over the Show Room. Light passes through these filters, and produce colorful shadows that are cast throughout the entirety of the Show House. The best way to enjoy this is to sit on the chair and just feel the changing light.

 

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PRISMATIC

Prismatic is a suspended sculpture in the Desert Room. By day, the sunlight shines through prismatic-shaped acrylic spokes, refracting the white rays of light into the full spectrum of its component colors. As the sun passes overhead, the display of light shifts. There is a continuous movement of light and color throughout the day. In the evening, Prismatic illuminates via intelligent LED lighting and is accompanied by an original musical composition by Owen Clayton.

 

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SEED of LIGHT

Seed of Light is a kinetic chandelier in the Horticulture Hall. Inspired by the flow of life. It highlights the ripple effect of the tiniest drop of water that creates a circular geometry, which one can see, enjoy and contemplate upon. With each illuminated droplet, circular trays catch the water below, and the ripple shadows is seen on the floor. This is created in collaboration with Bill Bartolotta.

 

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RELATED LINKS:
Luftwerk .. click here..

 

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