Continuum



Continuum


Saatchi Gallery, London, UK, 2017

For most of human history, there was not a word for the colour that saturates the sky and stains immaculate bodies of waters. When blue finally seeped into our languages, the colour became a power that inspired the arts, sciences. In the visible light spectrum, blue rays have shorter wavelengths and, therefore, carry more energy. Employing blue as a medium in architecture can alter a viewer’s sense of time and space. In this way, the psychological and emotional workings of the colour are infinite.

Continuum is a multi-sensory installation exploring the phenomenon of colour perception in the human experience. Two projectors face each other at opposite ends of a space with a stainless-steel lattice structure of two-way mirrors and screens stationed in-between. As blue light flows out of the projectors, a camera sensor reflects and refracts the ambient light creating a dynamic architectural volume that inhabits the room. Sound emitting from two speakers adds another layer to it, with scores consisting of frequencies of around 610–670 terahertz that correspond with colours wavelengths of 450–495 newton metres. Every audience member who steps into the space affects how light is absorbed and, in turn, influences the installation’ ethereal energy. Mirroring the infinite sensations that blue evokes, the atmosphere made up of tones and textures is in a constant state of flux. In every moment, the interlacing of visual, sonic and physical elements connected to the colour illuminates a new experience with time.

By using light, material and sound elements an ever-evolving presence is created, interacting with the audience as a catalyst to our nuanced experiences with blue. Mirroring the reactions and sensations the colour evokes, the installation’ atmosphere of tones and textures lives in a constant state of flux. As light vibrations engage with sound vibrations, Kite’s immersive study of blue comes alive and transforms into a commanding physical and immaterial entity that fills the space.


Specification

Dimensions: 7.5m L x 2.45m W x 2.14m H
Full installation length: 13.4m
Media: stainless steel, two-way mirror, optiblack projection screen, projection, stereo sound, colour sensor, software programming



Credits

Photography: Peter Guenzel, KT48
Technical Designer: Alex-Kendall White
Interaction Design: Henry Flitton
Sound Mixing: Alex Muell
Visual Assistant: Vinzent Britz
Producer: Marietta Auras
Project kindly supported by A.Lange & Söhne