ligh[t]wist
Kinetic light artwork
Client
Self-Initiated
Location
Thessaloniki, Greece
2024
ligh[t]wist is a kinetic light artwork that explores the intricate relationships between light, color, and motion, set within the broader framework of time. Through a continuous interplay of algorithmic logic and physical components, ligh[t]wist operates as a self-generating system, immersing the viewers in a dynamic visual field, where rhythms and colors evolve continuously over time.
The foundation of the artwork lies in the study of light as a physical phenomenon, which is electromagnetic radiation visible to the human eye. Its properties of wavelength, frequency, and intensity define how we perceive color. ligh[t]wist takes these fundamental properties and transforms them into the building blocks of an ever-changing, algorithmically controlled system. In this context, light and color are not mere tools but central subjects of inquiry, their behavior dictated by sine-wave functions that mirror natural oscillations.
The basis of this exploration is formed by the interplay of the two key structural layers of the artwork – the Generative Layer and the Reveal Layer. These layers continuously negotiate with each other, creating shifting patterns of color, geometry, and movement that exist as an ever-evolving reality.
The Generative Layer: The Generative Layer is a 2x1m light-emitting panel divided into 5 vertical segments. Each segment features a unique vertical color spectrum, with one point moving along each spectrum over time. These points define the dominant color for their respective sections of the panel. The remaining space blends these colors into gradients, creating smooth transitions across the surface.
The movement of the points is controlled by sine-wave equations, with parameters such as amplitude, frequency, phase, and period shaping their trajectories. This mathematical basis introduces rhythmic patterns reminiscent of natural phenomena, such as waves or oscillations, but entirely generated within the system.
The Reveal Layer: In front of the light panel are 20 vertical, flexible black louvers, each connected to motors at both their top and bottom ends. These motors control the rotation of the louvers, twisting and tilting them to reveal or block the light from the generative layer.
The motion of the louvers is tied to the evolving harmonies within the generative layer. As the points on the spectra shift and create new color combinations, the louvers respond by revealing complementary, analogous, or split-complementary harmonies. This dynamic movement exposes hidden layers of color while generating complex geometric patterns formed by the twisting louvers.
As viewers approach ligh[t]wist, they are immersed in an ever-changing landscape of light, color, and motion. The dynamic interplay of harmonies and contrasts—both in color and form—creates a visual and sensory experience that evolves over time, offering new perspectives with each moment.
The work encourages contemplation of time and its relationship to light and color. By revealing the underlying generative logic through its movements and transitions, ligh[t]wist invites viewers to reflect on the beauty of systems that exist within their own rules.
The foundation of the artwork lies in the study of light as a physical phenomenon, which is electromagnetic radiation visible to the human eye. Its properties of wavelength, frequency, and intensity define how we perceive color. ligh[t]wist takes these fundamental properties and transforms them into the building blocks of an ever-changing, algorithmically controlled system. In this context, light and color are not mere tools but central subjects of inquiry, their behavior dictated by sine-wave functions that mirror natural oscillations.
The basis of this exploration is formed by the interplay of the two key structural layers of the artwork – the Generative Layer and the Reveal Layer. These layers continuously negotiate with each other, creating shifting patterns of color, geometry, and movement that exist as an ever-evolving reality.
The Generative Layer: The Generative Layer is a 2x1m light-emitting panel divided into 5 vertical segments. Each segment features a unique vertical color spectrum, with one point moving along each spectrum over time. These points define the dominant color for their respective sections of the panel. The remaining space blends these colors into gradients, creating smooth transitions across the surface.
The movement of the points is controlled by sine-wave equations, with parameters such as amplitude, frequency, phase, and period shaping their trajectories. This mathematical basis introduces rhythmic patterns reminiscent of natural phenomena, such as waves or oscillations, but entirely generated within the system.
The Reveal Layer: In front of the light panel are 20 vertical, flexible black louvers, each connected to motors at both their top and bottom ends. These motors control the rotation of the louvers, twisting and tilting them to reveal or block the light from the generative layer.
The motion of the louvers is tied to the evolving harmonies within the generative layer. As the points on the spectra shift and create new color combinations, the louvers respond by revealing complementary, analogous, or split-complementary harmonies. This dynamic movement exposes hidden layers of color while generating complex geometric patterns formed by the twisting louvers.
As viewers approach ligh[t]wist, they are immersed in an ever-changing landscape of light, color, and motion. The dynamic interplay of harmonies and contrasts—both in color and form—creates a visual and sensory experience that evolves over time, offering new perspectives with each moment.
The work encourages contemplation of time and its relationship to light and color. By revealing the underlying generative logic through its movements and transitions, ligh[t]wist invites viewers to reflect on the beauty of systems that exist within their own rules.
Color is central to the conceptual framework of ligh[t]wist. The use of color spectra and harmonies establishes a deep connection to the system’s generative logic. The five vertical color spectra on the light panel act as the “source material” for the generative layer, while the louvers selectively reveal patterns based on color harmonies.
Through its mathematical precision, generative logic, and layered design, ligh[t]wist creates a mesmerizing interplay of abstraction and perception, offering viewers an immersive exploration of simulated time, color, and form.
The movement of the louvers is powered by 40 stepper motors, each driven by custom motor drivers. These drivers are grouped into sets of 10, with each group managed by a dedicated microcontroller. All microcontrollers are interconnected within a network, enabling synchronized operation. At the core of the system, a single-board computer orchestrates the entire setup, running bespoke software developed using the Processing framework.
