LET THERE BE LIGHT PEPPER’S GHOST LET THERE BE LIGHT PEPPER’S GHOST Directed by: Antonis Stylianou (CYPRUS) Andreas Papallas (CYPRUS)
Gent ‘17 - MeetinG of DesiGn stuDents - urban Haven
Pepper’s Ghost 1/3
“Dr. Pepper’s Ghost”, from Theodor Eckardt, Die Physik in Bildern Eßlingen, 1881. edited by author.
Brief / Concept ‘I sense light as the giver of all presences, and material as spent light. What is made by light casts a shadow, and the shadow belongs to light.’ - Luis Kahn
Using Olivier Goethals’ black box and the existing crane as the departure point, the unit embraces the theatrical qualities of the Old Welding Factory space to design and create a light transferral device that explores lighting beyond an object of functional necessity but as an artefact of phenomenological value. Making use of the technique known as ‘Pepper’s Ghost’, a theatrical illusion mechanism that involves mirrors, projection, light and transparent surfaces, the unit will explore the relationship between light and materiality to construct a device that utilises the existing natural and artificial lighting of the Old Welding Factory. Understanding the shifting needs of the program and flexible space, our structure makes use of the existing crane, light fixtures and skylight to activate different parts of the box and negotiate the relationship between ‘participants’, ‘visitors’ or ‘viewers’ and the ‘artist’, ‘performer’ or ‘art exhibited’.
Gent ‘17 - MeetinG of DesiGn stuDents - urban Haven
Pepper’s Ghost 2/3
Output The unit will design and construct a light transferral device as a plug-in to the existing crane and TL lighting. The structure will be removable and adjustable to the needs of the space taking into account uses such as exhibitions, lectures, concerts and film viewings. The unit will also produce a short digital art projection to showcase the use of the device for the final presentation and expo.
Schedule The students will work initially in three smaller groups (of 4 or 5) to experiment with a specific material (mirror, transparent surface and semi-transparent fabric) and then as a cohort to develop a proposal combining the attained knowledge on materiality and construct an 1:1 artefact. Three master-classes are introduced in key stages of the design process to inspire the unit and provide stimulus and working tools around the themes of: (1) Light, shadow and holography: a source and a medium, (2) The Progression of the Artefact and (3) Projecting Spaces. In addition, the students are supported by daily tutorials, group discussion sessions and workshops. Participants are required to bring their own computer. Gent ‘17 - MeetinG of DesiGn stuDents - urban Haven
Pepper’s Ghost 3/3
Timetable WEEK 01 (30/07 - 05/08) Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Presentation of theme + site visit
UNIT KICK-OFF Old Welding Factory (019)
Tutorials Old Welding Factory (019)
Tutorials Old Welding Factory (019)
Project presentation + selection
MASTERCLASS: Light, shadow and holography: source and medium
Work Session: Design
GROUP PRESENTATIONS
Team building
Tutorials Old Welding Factory (019)
FILM SCREENING: The Cabinet of Dr. Calligari
National evening
Arrival
Welcome Party
Friday
Saturday Group Discussion and Work Session: Design
Free Day
Tutorials Old Welding Factory (019)
Work Session: Design Unit Drinks
WEEK 02 (06/08 - 12/08) Sunday
Monday
MASTERCLASS: The Progression of the Artefact
Work Session: Construction
Work Session: Design
Work Session: Construction
Tutorials Old Welding Factory (019)
Belgian evening
Tuesday
Free Day
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
MASTERCLASS: Projecting Spaces
Work Session: Construction
Work Session: Implementation (Projections)
Final Presentation
WORKSHOP: Visual Art Software VDMX 5
Work Session: Construction
Work Session: Implementation (Projections)
Final Presentation
Work Session: Construction
Work Session: INSTALLATION ON CRANE
Work Session: Implementation (Projections)
EXPO preparation
WEEK 03 Sunday
EXPO
Gent ‘17 - MeetinG of DesiGn stuDents - urban Haven