No matter how noble the cause, sometimes it takes a little bit of flair to really grab the attention of the public.
That's why Vivid Sydney played host to Ray, an interactive, sun-powered light sculpture that seeks to promote sustainable and renewable energy as a possible solution for the urban poor in developing economies like India, directing viewers towards Pollinate Energy, a non-profit which has been doing extensive work in the field. Designers at S1T2 and Wildwon helped put the tall, funnel-like structure together, consisting of intertwining strips of luminous silicon tubes, totalling 9,000 lights and 1.5 tons of steel. Passersby were able to alter patterns by pulling on dangling ropes, with the light sequence shifting depending on how hard each was pulled.
Additionally, people were also able to interact with the sculpture online by visiting HiRay.com.au or by using the #HiRay hashtag on Twitter - with Ray itself emitting real time data-based updates on its surroundings. By integrating social media, live data and a captivating light show all into one project, Ray's aim was to drive the discussion on how alternative, sustainable energy can help provide power to under-served parts of the world.
Ray is reminiscent of Dune, Silent Lights and Tangible Orchestra in application, if not message, particularly in how all four encouraged passersby to engage with their environment in unique and distinctive ways.