Candela by Various Designers

A large rotary machine sat centrally, hovering just off the gallery floor. As the face of the machine revolved, it passed through a light source charging its surface, which emitted this energy as afterglow. The continual revolution of the machine created a perpetual ebb and flow of light patterns travelling across the structure. This rich layering effect played with the memory of the phosphorescent material used on the dials of timepieces by supporters Officine Panerai. “On a very basic level, we experience time through changing light conditions between day and night,” the designers explained. “The appearance of phosphorescent material is determined by both light and time. Charging from a source of light, its afterglow appears dazzling at first but diminishes to a lambent glow over time. We are excited to explore this change in state in our installation.” The title of the installation, Candela, came from the standard unit of luminous intensity: a common candle emits light with a luminous intensity of roughly one candela. Drawing from the individual expertise of the three designers, the installation was graphical in its visual impact, delicately engineered and crafted using both traditional and cutting-edge materials. The result was a seemingly magical display that bewildered and pleased the viewer, before leaving them to emerge, blinking and beguiled, into the daylight. Supported by Officine Panerai.