The installation "Moving Shadows" consists of 94 orthogonally arranged high-power RGB LEDs and 9 identical wall elements composed of 2 equal-sided triangles. If two LEDs light up simultaneously, one white and one colored, the phenomena of color shadows can be observed. If a third LED is activated further colored shadows can be observed. They appear brighter similar to pastel colors.
The connected Kinect captures the spatial movements of the viewer and translates them into DMX addresses. The shadows become interactive and animated.
Following parameters can be adjusted:
- Number of activated LEDs (between 1 to 8 LEDs)
- Individual light colors (white or colored)
- Start and end positions
- Direction of movement (opposite or in the same direction)
- Speed (identical or differing, overtaking, catching etc.)
This setup allows a spatial and temporal investigation of the shadows and its colors from multiple perspectives. Because of single point light sources the shadows appear extremely sharp and almost painted, even without additional optics.
The wall elements produce similar shadow projections differing slightly in perspective. Due to different distances from the light sources the resulting shadows appear gradually different in brightness, hue and saturation. Additionally, when seen from a certain perspective some shadows appear to form 3-dimensional bodies in combination with the corresponding wall element.
The installation shows the creative potential of light and shadow. In addition to the forming of shadows they can be animated and specifically colored. The illumination of shadow zones results in a highly differentiated color palette unlike the typical light colors Red, Green, Blue or Cyan, Magenta, Yellow.