Implausible rainbows: an exercise in skyscaping

Implausible rainbows: an exercise in skyscaping, Lukas Truniger & Bruce Yoder

Kinetic art | Optics

Implausible rainbows: an exercise in skyscaping is a sound and light installation that artificially recreates rainbows. Scientifically known as ‘atmospheric optical phenomena’, this play of light is reproduced using focused light sources, optical systems and a spatialised sound composition.

Within the exhibition space, these synthetic light forms appear, move and slowly rearrange themselves, creating an ever-changing environment. Inspired by the cyclical and interlinked movements of the solar system, the installation combines rotating soundscapes with variations in light to generate an evolving audiovisual experience.

By technologically recreating this iconic natural phenomenon, the work explores the tensions between scientific observation, aesthetic fascination and the human desire to replicate or control nature. The artists are particularly interested in the way in which contemporary technologies enable us to simulate physical phenomena whilst altering our sensory relationship with the environment.

Implausible Rainbows has been developed through a research and production residency at LABoral Centro de Arte within the European programme EMAP European Media Art Platform. It has received public funding from Pro Helvetia – Swiss Arts Council, as well as support from the foundations Ernst Göhner Stiftung, Stiftung Anne-Marie Schindler and Cassinelli Vogel Stiftung.

This presentation was co-funded by chroniques.