What does it mean to projection map on a Glacier? We didn’t know either-- until it happened in our studio.
We teamed up with Los Angeles Video Artists (LAVA) for an end of February, BYOB party. Beer was provided, your own beamers (projectors, lasers, light distributors, etc.) were encouraged.
LAVA and pixel hardware vendor Future Lighting got their hands on the Yeasayer Crystalline Stage (designed by Aranda/Lasch and fabricated by ASTERISKOS), modified its shape, and called it a Glacier.
Why did they call it that? Glaciers are big and cold to the touch. They’re heavy, with sharp angles and edges. Glaciers are constantly moving under their own weight, their colors an accumulation of pure water without air. Our Glacier was an accumulation of projected lights, LAVA BYOB and Small Green Door style.
In addition to a Glacier, we had a few beamers pre-mounted to the ceilings, electrical lines and extension cords, Inquisitors Brewing Company to keep the beer flowing, and DJ Lord Vince on the wheels of steel to keep the night grooving.
We were blown away at the number of people who brought their own beamers and animations. Nearly every imaginable surface of our studio was covered in different lights, shapes, and colors-- it was almost unrecognizable. Our white walls disappeared under the colorful images. Our floors reflected the Glacier’s projections, appearing to move with the animations and music.
Some people created their own performances, dancing in front of projections, allowing the light to reflect off of their bodies. Others were observers, absorbing the slew of animations and motion graphics that moved across the walls and floor. Our favorite part of the night was seeing the community of artists who came together to collaborate in real-time with their peers, watching everyone enjoy themselves, their art, and each other.
Needless to say, the night was a success.
If you’re interested in joining the LAVA community, you can sign up here for event reminders: meetup.com/LAVAmeets
