Aurora Flora
INTERACTIVE SCULPTURE • 2018 • with Johnathan West & Ryan Yorck
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Vision
Aurora Flora is a participatory art project made up of multiple fiberoptic and wire sculptures. The project is designed to engage participants on a singular and group level, allowing the Each and the Many to co-create an artistic expression. Aurora Flora requires participants be aware of their surroundings to see the consequences of their movement. Unwittingly some may trigger the artwork and create a show for bystanders, while conscious participation allows individuals to become performers as they engage the artwork.
As participants wander into Aurora Flora’s domain, they glimpse a miniature tree extending from a glowing surface. Threads of light tangle in the tree, enticing participants to draw closer and touch the sculpture tree. As the tree gathers participants in proximity, various sensors signal changes to the sculptures. When enough participants are sensed, lasers light periphery fiberoptic sculptures, creating a 360 degree illuminated environment.
Pieces of the Whole
Sculpture
Made of many pieces, the sculptures are constructed of wire and end-glow fiberoptic of various diameters. Participants interact with sensors nested into the roots of the tree ‘Aurora’ sculpture, which sequence light into the periphery ‘Flora’ sculptures.
Technology
As participants interact with Aurora, various lasers are programmed to respond. Lasers of varying color turn on and illuminate the Flora by transmitting light into a diffusion layer, allowing light to travel the length of the wrapped sculptures.
Infrastructure
To support the tree and house the lasers out of the way during participant engagement, a custom tree and canopy were designed. The table integrates lights for further interaction with the tree, while the laser canopy keeps participants both dry and safe.
A Glowing Forest
To continue the project, fiberoptic mini trees expand the glowing project into a forest. The mini trees utilize LEDs to light the unique fiberoptic strands. They stand 8-12 inches tall, and express multiple different species of tree.
Aurora Flora / FIGMENT Boston 2018
Photo: Johnathan West