vincent leroy levitates boreal halo in the beaux-arts museum of rennes, france

after exhibitions in slovakia, romania, china, vincent leroy brings the ‘boreal halo’ to the beaux-arts museum of rennes, france. this installation comprises of a  giant ring – or halo – in motion that seems to levitate above the ground. with its slow movement, the piece creates an intriguing sensation, as if time was slowing down. it aims to transport the public to a moment of contemplation, letting the mind pause for a while in the center of the museum.

view of the central space in the beaux-art museum

images: festival maintenant 2019 © gwendal le flem and © vincent leroy

the white atmosphere of the museum and the abundance of natural light from above reinforces the appearance of weightlessness that leroy’s work inspires. additionally, the contrast of the boreal halo against the dark granite stone of the museum floor provides a deep shadow, which slowly moves as the ring does. visitors are invited to meander around the halo and ‘let themselves go’ into a dreamlike atmosphere.

the levitation creates an intriguing atmosphere

the sound has been realized by jérôme echenoz of adorable studio. an original quadraphonic sound design composition has been created for the installation. it is synchronized with the movement of the piece and transcribes into sounds the ethereal atmosphere created by the boreal halo. the result is a perfect combination of space, movement sound, offering a very unique experience to the public.

inside the giant ring in motion

the shadow of the halo appears very deep on the granite stone floor of the museum

the glazed roof brings in a flood of natural light

children interacting with the work

the installation intends to provoke your imagination

jérôme echenoz realized all the sound within the space

view from the museum entrance

a poster of the installation in front of the museum

project info:

project name: boreal halo

location: the beaux arts museum of rennes, france

artist: vincent leroy

sound design: jérôme echenoz / adorable studio 

photography: festival maintenant 2019 © gwendal le flem and © vincent leroy

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom