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In 2010 Fed Square commissioned Rafael Lozano-Hemmer to produce a new work called Solar Equation for The Light in Winter.
Solar Equation is a large-scale public art installation that consists of a faithful simulation of the Sun, 100 million times smaller than the real thing. Commissioned specifically for The Light in Winter, the piece features the world's largest spherical balloon, custom-manufactured for the project.
The work was tethered over Federation Square and animated via the use of five projectors. The solar animation on the balloon is generated by live mathematical equations that simulate the turbulence, flares and sunspots that can be seen on the surface of the Sun. This produces a constantly changing display that never repeats itself and gives viewers a glimpse of the majestic phenomena that are observable at the solar surface: these are relatively new discoveries, made possible by recent advances in astronomy.
While pertinent environmental questions of global warming, drought, or UV radiation might arise from the contemplation of this piece, Solar Equation is inspired by romantic environments of ephemerality, mystery and paradox, such as those from Blake or Goethe. Every culture has a unique set of solar mythologies and this project seeks to be a platform for both the expression of traditional symbolism and the emergence of new stories.
See Solar Equation in action
About Rafael Lozano-Hemmer
Lozano-Hemmer's particular electronic oeuvre involves developing large-scale interactive installations in public spaces, usually deploying new technologies and custom-made physical interfaces. Using robotics, projections, sound, Internet and mobile phone links, sensors and other devices, his installations aim to provide a thought-provoking interaction of architecture and performance art.
www.lozano-hemmer.com
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