rafael lozano hemmer: solar equation

image: julie renoufmelbourne’s fed square was recently inhabited by the giant sun-like installation ‘solar equation’ by artist rafael lozano-hemmer. the installation consisted of a large glowing orb, which floated above the public square in the city’s downtown. the sun is 14m in diameter, 100 million times smaller than the real thing and is made from a herical captive balloon filled with helium. tethers and winches hold it in place while 5 hd projectors create the light effects. 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. the installation was made interactive through an iphone application that allowed visitors to control the piece in real time. the artwork will now go on a world tour through multiple countries.

http://www.lozano-hemmer.com

image: julie renouf image: julie renouf image: julie renouf