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Build Your Own Gallery-Worthy Light Installation [How-To]

See if you can copy Matt Parker, Albert Hwang, and Elliot Woods’ volumetric 3D light display Lumarca, now on view at Eyebeam Art + Technology Center.

Photo: Sara Jacobson

When we saw Lumarca, a collaborative project from Matt Parker, Albert Hwang, and Elliot Woods, currently on view at Eyebeam Art + Technology Center in NYC, we were instantly reminded of Muti Randolph’s Deep Screen, which we exhibited during our 2010 event series.

But while Deep Screen‘s complexity is a bit dissuading, the artists behind Lumarca describe it as a “DIY and open source project” that anyone can build with less than $100 (that is, if you already have a computer and projector). Talk about making art accessible! Here’s a video of Lumarca in action at SIGGRAPH Asia 2009 below.

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You can find all your materials besides a computer (that can run Java) and projector (with at least 1024×724 native resolution) at pretty much any hardware store. You’ll also need 2 feet of string or yarn (slightly elastic is preferred) multiplied by the number of strings you want to make, two thin 34″×24″ planes of non-magnetic and sturdy material (like foam for example), four wooden dowels (or similar structure) that can support one of the planes 2 ft above the other, two nuts per string, four magnets per string, clamps and glue.

The first step is to download and run the source code, which you can find here. Then you need to build your structure. Drill four holes in the form core while they’re clamped together. Insert the wooden dowels and hold them in position with clamps. After you make sure they’re level, glue them into place. The finished structure should look something like this.

Now position the projector running the Construction program (by pressing 1 while running the Lumarca app) to project on the bottom plane. Make sure the entire projection falls on the plane—it should be 19.5 in from the middle of the bottom white line to the middle of the top white line.

Tie the nuts to the strings so that they can be held taut between the two planes. Experiment with one string before you cut the rest. Then project the Construction program again and place a magnet on the top nut of a string. Hold the top nut to the top plane and place a magnet on the other side of the plane. This should hold the string to the top plane, but leave it adjustable. Do the same thing with the bottom plane, being careful to pull the string from the top. Place each string near one of the white dots projected onto the plane.

Then position each string into exact position. Project the Calibration program (by pressing 2 while running the Lumarca app). A single green line will be projected near one of the strings you placed in the previous step. Adjust the string by moving the magnets on both the top and bottom planes until it intercepts the beam of light and glows bright green. Repeat for every string.

Finally, run the Display program. Pres 2-0 and you’ll see a variety of content developed for the Lumarca. When you’re ready to make your own content, build your own by visiting the code page.

Sign up for the Lumarca mailing list for updates about installations, DIY Kits, and the evolution of the project.