Illusion is a light sculpture on a canvas of 64 large weather balloons. The light array creates a feeling of immense undiscovered space as viewers walk and meditate throughout an area the size of two football fields. Light effects are programmed to evoke a range of moods with soft, fading luminescence interspersed by glimmering, dancing lights. At timed intervals, lighting control stations become active and participants are given opportunity to control the light array. The relationship between light and darkness is a common Western metaphor of good and evil, knowledge and ignorance. The sculpture alludes to the illusion offered by this metaphor.
Materials
Large scale weather balloons used in concerts (Available in 8, 14, and 22 ft diameter)
Off-the-shelf light controllers typically used in synchronized Christmas
light displays. The system is capable of controlling strobes and
dimmable lights.
Incandescent and Strobe lighting
4000 Feet of 18-20 AUG Cabling
Generator capable of 12,000 watts.
Light Control buttons on a viewing platform for interactivity.
The light sculpture will be synchronized to popular music, atmospheric sounds and participant controls. It is similar to what is done for the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas, with shows every 10 minutes or so. Light controls become active for participants in-between shows. Sound is produced from 20-30 speakers dispersed throughout the field to cut-down on sound distortion. Outdoor-rated speakers will be placed below alternating balloon bases.
This video shows 1 of 20 or more music
sequences that illuminate the
light field every 5 minutes or so.
Lookout Tower
The more we work with this project, the more we've realized we need to add a lookout platform. It will be placed along the outer perimeter to allow a vantage-point for photography and spectators. Lighting controls will be placed at the platform. The base of the platform is used to protect the generator and provide a place for maintenance storage supplies.
Crew
The core team of eight would be enough to set up the art installation within
one solid working day. However, we will not be alone. We have created a tribe
and connected ourselves with two other new tribes--groups of people who
are going to burning man for the first, second or third time this year. In our
group we have 15 able-bodied strong individuals who have pledged to help
as necessary to put up and take down the project. Between the groups we are
connected to, we have commitments from 22 additional individuals to help in
set up and take down.
Leave No Trace
We are passionate about the spirit and ideology of burning man. Leave no
trace as a core concept is central to what has enticed us to return to burning
man, and this time with an art installation to share. Our project will not harm the
playa, will not put water or material on the playa that we cannot clean up.
The cables will displace some of the playa dirt, which we are sensitive to.
During our take down and clean up, we will work to return the playa surface
to its original state. Trenches for cables will be shoveled & raked and will be compacted with a slow-moving truck.
But leaving no trace goes beyond the playa. Metal stakes will be taken to
recycling centers. Tools will be given to a community goodwill center. Bulbs,
balloons and electronics will be stored for future installations.
Problems and Solutions
Wind
We anticipate wind to be our most formidable challenge. An array of
lightweight, high volume balloons could be left desolate after a windstorm
if not properly anchored. Two rebar stakes will be the primary anchor. A
paper core filled with dirt & sand will serve as the base and secondary anchor.
The 4-conductor power cable will serve as a third tether should the first and
second-defense anchor fail.
Deflation, Bursting
Unlike typical balloons, weather balloon material is durable and puncture
resistant. But even with superior materials, we anticipate we will need to
replace up to 50% of the array due to loss from bursting and theft. With
twice daily maintenance, we expect to be busy re-inflating balloons, replacing
balloons or removing damaged installs.
Timeline
Research & Development
Research and Development is nearing completion. A test assembly has been produced. We were very pleased with the results. The aluminum base multiplies the light and produces a pleasing bright glow. We are planning a week-long test with a small balloon to test balloon endurance in warmth of late April or early May. Once we are please with the setup of the trial, our purchasing list will be fine-tuned.
Material Purchasing
March
We have purchased balloons and rigging for our initial demonstration setup. We have 3 songs programmed so far; and everyone who sees our small demonstration gets excited for us. We're using the same lighting control hardware and software we'll be using at the event, on loan from a team member. We're doing our testing on a 16-channel board that allows us a preview on 16 lights. This will be expanded to 128-channels.
April
We will place orders for our electronics and lighting hardware in early April. This gives us a platform to do our light sequence and interactive programming.
July
We will begin placing orders for all remaining hardware items in late June. This provides enough time to allow for delivery for our trail-run in early August.
Pre-Trip
Light programming sequences will be programmed by most members of our team in the months leading up to the event. In early August, we will have larger trial-run setup in the Utah desert with 4-6 installed bases/balloons. At this time the entire field's cables will be layed out, pre-cut and packaged for the show. This way, once the trenches are created, the cable assembly only needs to be dropped into place and covered. We will be able to preview light show so we can fine-tune the light sequences.
Arrival
An advance team will arrive Friday August, 22. Site surveying will begin on Friday. Our plan is to assess the site and begin preparation for trenching for the power cables the
moment we get our bearings.
Setup
Major setup will begin on Saturday. Balloon bases will assembled and rebar and wooden-stake anchors will be driven. Electric cabling will be placed and lights will be tested. On Sunday, trenches will be covered and compacted, bases installed and balloons inflated. The light programming will be tested before opening.
Maintenance
Maintenance will take place twice a day—two hours before dusk, and at show
close at 2am.
Take Down
Day after the burn. Take down will take 4 or more hours with a 10-15 person
team. The most time consuming element will be playa restoration.
Help Us Make it Great
We've been awarded a Burning Man art Grant! But our project can be so much more. We need your help to add fancy DMX lighting rentals, better custom participant's controls and larger balloons.
Thank you. We hope we're able to pull off a slick execution as well. We were initially looking at LED lighting--it was even in our original proposal. But after doing tests with some budget-conscious LED lights, we quickly moved in favor of incandescent lights to provide the brightest light at the cheapest cost. And that means we're going to be graduating to a 25 Kw generator.
have you considered LED lighting? very programmable with DMX control . . . and about 1/10th the energy draw of tungsten. the RGB LED arrays are pretty sweet, and I think your project is very well designed, and I wish you the best for its sublime execution!
Help Us Make it Great