Through a Glass Darkly
A journey through optics
Through A Glass Darkly - Optical prisms, kinetic mechanism, light source
Through A Glass Darkly emerged through the exploration optics from a medieval perspective. De Luce and De Iride, the treatises of Bishop Robert Grosseteste (c. 1170 - 1253) which investigate the nature of light, colour and the rainbow inspired kinetic works that sought to sculpt and draw with light.
Splitting and converging of beams of white and coloured light combine and constantly reconfigure through familiar prismatic forms in motion via enmeshed brass square gears. These compact mechanisms, reminiscent of apparatus from the enlightenment, bathe darkened rooms in immersive light installations.
The work began with the work of Grosseteste but grew to encompass light and colour theory from Newton, Goethe and Ibn al-Haytham. Scientific apparatus for optical experiments influenced works to play with visual perception.
Through a combination of optical prisms and lenses both of traditional form and contemporary design, a series of kinetic sculptures and wall based works breath and dance light choreographies into being.
A number of mechanisms serve as both sculptural pieces and light drawing machines which capture photonic compositions, never to be repeated.
Commissioned by Ordered Universe Project
Supported by Durham University
Images/Video: ©Torus Torus Studios. All rights reserved.