This VIVID Light Installation Simulates a Futuristic Volcanic Eruption

This interactive digital volcano allows users to choose their own lava flow.

by Katherine Gillespie

May 31, 2016, 9:35pm

All photography by Bas van Est

One of the most dramatic installations at Sydney's VIVID festival this year is Mountain of Light, a 4-metre tall pyramid of interactive light columns, which we included in our sneak peek video series. Designed by New Zealand artists Angus Muir and Puck Murphy, the installation simulates a volcanic eruption on a futuristic mountain. Patterns of animated graphics flow up and down its modular columns like lava, lighting up the structure from every angle.

The digital eruption, complete with surround sound effects, is controlled by visitors who can choose their own adventure and direct the 'lava flow' across, around, up and down the mountain. Constructed from a modular aluminium frame, the mountain is made up of 23 large blocks constructed from perspex and embedded with RGB pixels—3,126 in total.

Speaking to The Creators Project, artist Muir says that he doesn't have any specific interest in volcanoes, but when he was constructing a mountain-like structure the potential for dynamic lighting effects made him think of an eruption. "The mountain of light has an energy and intenseness about it, like a volcano," he says.

Like many of the installations at VIVID, much of the work's appeal comes from its interactive components. Situated in Martin Place, it is one of the most central installations of the festival and has drawn many curious visitors. At first, the artists were unsure how people would respond to the mountain. "Interactive installations are always a little bit unknown until you have large crowds interacting with them," Muir says. "People have been interacting so far, and there are a number of infrared cameras that detect the number and speed at which people are moving."

Watching people work out how to create the eruptions is part of the fun. "It is always intersting watching the public try and figure out the interactive elements, by tapping the bricks and clapping," Muir tells us. "In that way it was very much a rewarding project for us in the end."

Muir is excited to be part of the biggest VIVID yet. This is the 23-day long light festival's eighth year, and its nightly light installations and projections are scattered all over the Sydney city. "Light art is so universal and so approachable to people of differing ages and backgrounds," he says. "Depending on the location, it can totally transform a space, a mood or an event."

He's interested to watch public enthusiasm for light installations continue to grow. "The last three years has seen a dramatic increase in this field, and it's very exciting to watch and see what's going to come next."