kaleidoscopic origami dome bathes visitors in luminous reflections

kaleidoscopic origami dome bathes visitors in luminous reflections
image courtesy of destination NSW

from now until june 8, 2015, visitors to vivid sydney can find themselves bathed in light within a giant three-dimensional kaleidoscope. japanese artists masakazu shirane and new zealander reuben young have created ‘light origami’ as a domed structure made up more than 320 geometric shapes, which constantly shift and alter the spectrum of light projected within the luminous space. when mirrored against the reflective perspex material, viewers are enveloped by a visual effect that mimics the interior of a kaleidoscope, with changing perspectives and impressions upon entry.

visitors to vivid sydney can find themselves bathed in light within a 3-dimensional kaleidoscope
image courtesy of destination NSW

‘light origami’ creates the same effect as a traditional cylindrical kaleidoscope: as the viewer interacts within it, unique geometries and forms are created. however, in this life-sized scale version, viewers are both participants and co-creators — each of their movements are reflected in the glass panels, the colors and patterns they wear are incorporated into the surrounding environment, and as they look in different directions, perspectives are altered. the structure has been created using digital 3D computer modelling tools, and each physical panel is connected by a zipper.

reflections and impressions constantly shift as the viewer makes their way through the space
image courtesy of masakazu shirane

a luminous and reflective floor mirrors impressions of the visitors as they walk through
image courtesy of bec boyle © MOTO

‘light origami’ creates the same effect as traditional cylindrical kaleidoscope
image courtesy of masakazu shirane

as the viewer interacts with ‘light origami’, new and unique forms are created within the interior 
image courtesy of masakazu shirane © MOTO

each movement by the visitor is reflected in the surrounding glass panels
image courtesy of bec boyle © MOTO

perspectives are altered as participants look in different directions throughout the space
image courtesy of masakazu shirane