Sonumbra

Where: Mowbray Park
When: 7th - 16th December
FREE

Sunderland City Council and ISIS Arts have commissioned the art and design studio, Loop.pH to make an interactive installation using light as part of the SHINE festival 2006.

Loop.pH's installation will create a responsive play space by erecting an umbrella structure in Mowbray Park. The installation is entitled Sonumbra and is to respond to the interplay and activity of the people orbiting the umbrella by casting a sonic shade of light.

The atmosphere of musical rhythms, harmonies and luminous patterns are composed by the visitors' movement - either active or passive. The light-emitting fabric of the umbrella is crafted into a lacework of many electroluminescent fibres. This latticed pattern is animated in concert with the generated surround sound. It illustrates visually the visitors' position in the constellation. Wandering unaware or actively gravitating towards Sonumbra each person plays a part and becomes a note in a unique composition of light and sound.

Click the thumbnails to view images of Sonumbra

Photos copyright © Stan Gamester 2006

Loop.pH

The art studio, Loop.pH, specialise in the design and research of responsive textiles & structures for the built environment.

It is a multidisciplinary partnership set up in 2002 by Rachel Wingfield with artist Mathias Gmachl. Their skills include the design, construction and fabrication of structural and responsive textiles. They conduct an extensive range of research activities and collaborate with industry. Their work aims to provide a more intuitive understanding of our natural environment and mediates between craft, technology and nature.
www.loop.ph