Light Sensitive is an interactive installation that hosts living bioluminescent plankton. This participatory work engages people in contemplation as an engaged, social experience. My approach repositions the nature of contemplative experience generally perceived of as solitary and removed from the flow of life.
The focal phenomenon for contemplation in Light Sensitive is bioluminescence. Microscopic bioluminescent algae inhabit seawater contained in a series of soft vessels.
Set within a darkened space, illuminated LEDs within a silicone layered, acrylic interface guide people to the installation. As they touch this undulating surface, the subtle electrical field that each of emits activates this experience. Initially the light of the LED's is extinguished. Each subsequent movement across this surface is communicated to the wall mounted sculptural element that carries the soft vessels of seawater and plankton. These vessels are then activated with a reciprocal mechanical touch that subtly moves along the edge of the soft vessel, gently moving the seawater within. It is the kinetic movement of the water that stimulates the plankton to glow a luminous blue in dynamic response to each person's touch.
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