germans ermičs creates technicolor glass cabin for instagram at cannes lions 2019

latvian artist germans ermičs has created a technicolor pavilion for instagram that brings the social network’s rainbow gradient to life. the glass cabin is a collaboration between the two on the occasion of the cannes lions international festival of creativity.

images courtesy of germans ermičs

photos by tara moller

set on the french riviera, the 50sqm structure marks the first time ermičs has worked on this scale. the amsterdam-based designer is known for his work with colored glass which uses a similar gradient style with strong pigments that fade to clear.

following the theme of ‘where the rainbow ends’ – also the title of the work – ermičs has replicated this faded effect with a 360-degree perspective, allowing passers-by to reach the end of the ‘rainbow’. inside, light effects by london based urban electric project rainbows around the room.

the lights play upon an all-white interior, hosting a white bench at its center and the designer’s ombre glass chair to one side. the light dances to an electronic soundtrack of french production duo domenique dumont.

tapping ermičs for the project, the idea was to pair the designer’s innovative work with glass and rainbow’s distinct rainbow gradient. 

‘the experience explores the ethereal nature of rainbows, as well as the scientific reality that any colored light is essentially visible white light which has been separated through a prism,’ germans ermičs explains. ‘inside, music inspired by tibetan bowls unfolds from a single sine wave to a full sonic spectrum as you see and hear the sound of colored light.’

wrapped in rainbow-tinted mirrors the installation also intends to celebrate international pride, whilst reflecting instagram’s support of diverse cultures. it commemorates the 50th anniversary of the stonewall rebellion, series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the gay community against police raiding, which marked the beginning of pride’s annual celebrations.

project info:

designer: germans ermičs

collaborator: instagram

installation: where the rainbow ends

event: cannes lions international festival of creativity