A room is filled with deep, evolving noises from a four-channel sound system. An eight-by-eight array of white, self-illuminated spheres floats in space like the atoms of a complex molecule.
Through variable positioning and illumination of each atom, a dynamic display sculpture comes into being, composed of physical objects, patterns of light, and synchronous rhythmic and textural sonic events. Change, sound, and movement converge into a larger form.
The height of the helium balloons is adjusted with a computer-controlled cable, whilst the internal illumination is accomplished using dimmable super-bright LEDs, creating a pixel in a warped 8x8 spatial matrix.
The sonic events, the patterns of light, and the movement of the balloons are manipulated in real time as a 45-60 minute-long performance.
In 2008 the music for the performance has been reworked and made into a CD and vinyl album release.
Images on this page taken at the TESLA-Berlin premiere on september 15 2007 and during the performance at Centre Pompidou in April 2008.
There are more images to be found in this Image Gallery
An interview with Robert Henke and Christopher Bauder can be found here
Balloon motion control: Christopher Bauder
Music, sound design & LED patterns: Robert Henke
Photos on this page by Justine Lera 2007
Balloons software and hardware engineered by
C.Bauder, Till Beckmann and Holger Pecht / whiteVoid