PHOTODOTES

PHOTODOTES is a spatial installation that explores the manipulation of light in space, architectured to perform in 3 stages: collecting, transferring, and diffusing. PHOTODOTES consist of spatial elements of mixed materials (plastics, fiberoptics, and metals) that display light emission while being light-wired to two sources: daylight from outdoors and artificial light from indoor.

The “machinic” configuration is demonstrated in 3 parts:
o Collect: A light-surveillor observes the light patterns and gathers the sunlight to be transferred in the dark space. For this experimentation and due to limited amount of available sunlight, there are “2 suns”: the natural, and an artificial one.
o Transfer: Endglow fiberoptics cables were selected to transfer the light from the 2 suns to the spatial elements in order to spatialize the need for light to its literal extend.
o Diffuse: The solid objects or surfaces for light diffusion integrate the once disappeared (sun)light back to the dark space, by capturing it in their mass.

The different light patterns expected to occur throughout the 4 months of the exhibition are recorded and projected. The experimentation is a critique in phenomena related to lack of light, like the lack of vitamin D, depression, women’s cycle patterns irregularities, work separation from exterior conditions. It aims to explore light’s integral role in space by intervening through its two states: natural and artificial. Through this inseparable duality, PHOTODOTES proposes a holistic approach to light design, unlike the typical approach through windows/ screens/ transparencies by architects and the usual neon/ bulb approach by artists.

While PHOTODOTES do not necessarily solve the problems addressed, they aim to make people aware about affects of light on bodies and space. Having as a departure point, the art, the installation aims to reveal or emphasize the essential capacity of light in the built environment and well-being of people. In the GardenLab exhibition, PHOTODOTES is displayed for experimentation while aiming to augment our individual and collective perceptual mechanism.



*photodotes is the plural form of the greek: φωτοδότης = giver of light, luminary