projects
By starfive
On 13, Sep 2024 | In featured interactive sculpture light | By starfive
The Plastisphere
2024
Various plastics, steel, LEDs, microcomputers, sensors, sound
with Gwen Law, Olivia Mackall, Martin Law
The Plastisphere is an immersive, interactive art installation of an oceanic environment made from previously-used plastic and colored light. Using discarded materials and programmed sounds and lights that respond to the visitor’s presence, the piece shines a spotlight on marine pollution in an effort to re-engage our wonder in the natural world.
Sculptural features within this world include transformed plastic garbage lit by colorful lights controlled by microcomputers. Plastic sculptures emerge from faux oil spills that pool on the ground. Steel structures skinned with recovered plastics emerge from the floor and cantilever overhead. The walls are adorned with synthetic coral pods softly twinkling with lights. Plastic seaweed hangs throughout. A soft sculptured tentacled seating pod provides a place to rest and be immersed in the environment.
The custom LED programming consists of Images of plastic ocean garbage, sea creatures, corals, and space, which are mapped onto the sculptures. As an image scrolls across the piece, colors are pulled from individual pixels and displayed on lights embedded in the sculpture. Motion sensors react to a visitor’s presence, illustrating the interconnected relationships between people, plastic, and nature. An ambient wavescape soundtrack created from recordings of manipulating plastic completes the immersive experience.