helical light sculpture by S.Katsume from japan

[Background of the Work]
The material of inorganic EL (electro-luminescence) sheet is mainly used for sign panels etc, as the material is relatively inexpensive and can enlarge its light-emitting face. The feature of this material is low brightness, long-life and safety as it is athermic material, and the most distinctive feature is that the material is thin and can be bent like a paper. Now organic EL is more expected as next generation’s material than inorganic EL with a lot of limited use, but if a viewpoint is changed, inorganic EL is an attractive material with the possibility to develop for a broad use. Taking advantage of the characteristic of inorganic EL, we thought whether the beautiful light sculpture would be made. This sculpture is lightweight because flat sheet is cut into spirals, transforming itself to three-dimensional object. Also, since inorganic EL is environment-friendly luminescence material without containing mercury, this can be discarded not as industrial waste but as common garbage.
The Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011 and subsequent tsunami and the nuclear power plant accident brought great damage to our daily lives. Through this sculpture in which rich chain of our lives and connection with others are expressed, we hope to send a powerful message towards dreams and visions of reconstruction and the future. At the same time, by the power of idea and design, we hope that everything can be changed to valuable things that resonate with people’s heart.

[Production / Manufacturing Process]
1. Die cutting processing is given to the inorganic EL sheet.
2. Two inorganic EL sheets are put together and laminate with pouch film.
3. Electric wiring code, inorganic EL sheets, stopper which stops sheets in arbitrary positions, and wire for keeping the whole form are set with center wire from the ceiling.
4. Electric wiring code connects to an inverter to emit light.
5. Turning on and off power with switch of an inverter.

[Materials]
= Inorganic EL sheet
= Electric wiring code
= Stopper, frame (brass)
= Wire (stainless)