Kinetic Chandeliers 3
Kinetic Chandeliers 3
Luke Jerram, Kinetic Chandeliers, 2012, Bristol. Image © Luke Jerram.

2012 - 2015

Kinetic Chandeliers

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Synopsis

In 2012 Bristol based artist Luke Jerram created a Kinetic Chandelier for the Bristol and Bath Science Park. The structure measures 17ft in height the solar powered kinetic chandeliers consist of dozens of glass radiometers, which shimmer and flicker as they turn in the sunlight. Altering their speed with the subtle changes in lighting conditions, the vanes of each radiometer speed up and slow down throughout the day.

“The chandeliers are one of a number of Jerram’s artworks which blend design and science resulting in objects that attempt to illustrate invisible phenomenon that surround us at all times. Historically, chandeliers were made from glass due to the light -scattering abilities of crystal to brighten up a dark space. This work turns that function inward, drawing in light from the sun with a mechanism that makes us aware of its power in unexpected ways.” 
Luke Jerram
Kinetic Chandeliers
Luke Jerram, Kinetic Chandeliers, 2012, Bristol. Image © Luke Jerram.
Kinetic Chandeliers 1
Luke Jerram, Kinetic Chandeliers, 2012, Bristol. Image © Luke Jerram.

Beautiful shadows are formed as sunlight passes through the tiers of glass. Usually only experienced as a tactile sensation, the energy of the sun is rendered both visible and audible with the chandeliers shimmering light and a very quiet ‘clinking’ sound. For over 50 years there was fierce debate about how radiometers work. 

Observed from a distance, the sculpture is a form of delicate moving glass. During the evening the chandelier is activated by electric light, as Jerram has stated: 

“The chandeliers are one of a number of Jerram’s artworks which blend design and science resulting in objects that attempt to illustrate invisible phenomenon that surround us at all times. Historically, chandeliers were made from glass due to the light -scattering abilities of crystal to brighten up a dark space. This work turns that function inward, drawing in light from the sun with a mechanism that makes us aware of its power in unexpected ways.” 

The artwork stems from Jerram’s fascination with light, engineering and science as well as the fact he is colour-blind. 

Little Cloud 

This small solar powered cloud, made of 50 radiometers was installed at the M Shed in Bristol. It’s a prototype for a far larger artwork being developed by Luke and his team. 

Kinetic Chandeliers 2
Luke Jerram, Kinetic Chandeliers, 2012, Bristol. Image © Luke Jerram.

Luke Jerram 

Luke Jerram’s multidisciplinary practice involves the creation of sculptures, installations, live arts projects and gifts. Living in Bristol but working internationally since his career began in 1997, Jerram has created a number of extraordinary art projects which have excited and inspired people around the globe. He is currently Visiting Senior Research Fellow at CFPR, University of West of England. 

Jerram is known worldwide for his large scale public engagement artworks. His celebrated street pianos installation ‘Play Me, I’m Yours’ has been presented in over 55 cities so far, reaching an audience to date of over 10 million people around the world. Launched by the French Minister of Culture in Paris and Mayor Bloomberg in NYC, the installation has received press coverage in almost every newspaper and television station around the globe. 

In 2000 Jerram taught in war torn Mostar, Bosnia and he continues to teach and lecture both in the UK and abroad. His most notable lectures include those at The Banff Centre, ROM – Royal Ontario Museum, ICA – Institute of Contemporary Art, Corning Museum, The Wellcome Collection, Royal College of Art, The Ruskin School of Art, University of Washington, and Nagoya University. 

CAD design by JD3D. Acrylic laser cut by Kings Plastics. Fabrication by Luke Jerram and Paul Muncaster.Onsite installation by Damon Bramley.