darkSky (2009)

darkSky (2009) Table lamps, plasma monitor, custom software, electricity datalogger DarkSky is an interactive installation originally commissioned by Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art. This participatory piece consists of 27 salvaged table lamps that sit on a table with a bamboo top fronted by a large plasma monitor. When all the lamps are on, the enormous quantity of light produced is overwhelming—the animation on the plasma monitors display dim stars. Turning all of the lamps off allows the viewers to see dim stars transform into swarms of fireflies. darkSky invites viewers to “choose” a state for the artwork: one that consumes large quantities of energy or one that does not. Both states are intended to be aesthetically compelling; it is up to the viewers to choose one or the other state.

darkSky (2009)
Lamps, plasma, custom software, datalogger
 
darkSky is an interactive installation originally commissioned by Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art.  This participatory piece consists of 27 salvaged table lamps that sit on a table with a bamboo top fronted by a large plasma monitor. 
 
When all the lamps are on, the enormous quantity of light produced is overwhelming—the animation on the plasma monitors display dim stars.  See middle image at left.
 
Turning all of the lamps off allows the viewers to see dim stars transform into swarms of fireflies.  darkSky invites viewers to “choose” a state for the artwork: one that consumes large quantities of energy or one that does not.  Both states are intended to be aesthetically compelling; it is up to the viewers to choose one or the other state.
darkSky (2009)
Lamps, plasma, custom software, datalogger
 
darkSky is an interactive installation originally commissioned by Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art.  This participatory piece consists of 27 salvaged table lamps that sit on a table with a bamboo top fronted by a large plasma monitor. 
 
When all the lamps are on, the enormous quantity of light produced is overwhelming—the animation on the plasma monitors display dim stars.
 
Turning all of the lamps off allows the viewers to see dim stars transform into swarms of fireflies (bottom left).  darkSky invites viewers to “choose” a state for the artwork: one that consumes large quantities of energy or one that does not.  Both states are intended to be aesthetically compelling; it is up to the viewers to choose one or the other state.
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