Lyon was historically known as an important area for the production and weaving of silk. Silk has special light qualities due to its prism-like structure, it refracts incoming light at different angles, which creates a shimmering appearence. As a material silk has been a source of inspiration for this installation, and also the creation of silk, which begins with a transformation in nature.
It has been an important feature that due to this location, the installation could be experienced from many hights and from many directions. So that when festival guests approach from either Rue Lemot, or Montée Saint-Sébastien, they already begin to experience the volumes of light and as they get closer, they start to perceive the changes. When they enter the park, they discover that the changes are caused by other festival guests interacting directly with the installation. So this way the new visitors are encouraged to take part of the interaction.
The main concept of the Papillon installation is based on a physical interaction with the festival guests. As default, the Papillons are lit with white light.
As the actors are twisting them on the wheel, they are turnig on colours and amplifying the hue and saturation as they keep on twisting.
This light transformation is also enhanced by music on a relatively low volume level in the default state, and by the motion, the volume is increased.
As the actors are twisting them on the wheel, they are turnig on colours and amplifying the hue and saturation as they keep on twisting.
This light transformation is also enhanced by music on a relatively low volume level in the default state, and by the motion, the volume is increased.
Arrangement of the installation on Place Colbert, in three different sizes
Colour combinations picked from nature - harmony of colours with a contrast peak
Mock-up for testing the design
