Pareidolium
Pareidolium is a low, circular fountain that creates portraits of onlookers in mid-air with clouds of vapor that ascend from the water basin. The fountain uses hundreds of computer-controlled ultrasonic atomizers, placed under the reflecting water pool, which produce the plumes of cold vapor. As a visitor looks into the water, a facial-detection system extracts their image and creates an ephemeral likeness. The portrait becomes tangible, almost breathable, only briefly, then disappears in turbulence. A square display shows slow-motion images of the past 9 participants, capturing the fleeting moment of vapour portraiture.
General info
Technique:
Ultrasonic atomizers, aluminium and steel basin, custom electronics, computer, water, cameras, square display.
Power:
11,520W on 110-240V
Room conditions:
The piece works with natural or artificial light, indoor or outdoor. The piece generates a faint tinkling sound. The vapour generated by the atomizers is cold so it mostly precipitates back into the basin but some water does condense around the piece so anti-slip carpet is recommended. The piece does not humidify the exhibition room in any perceptible way.
Dimensions:
180 cm diameter x 66 cm height
Edition:
6 copies + 1 AP copy
Exhibitions
- Rafael Lozano-Hemmer: Recent Works, Arsenal Art Contemporain Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada, 2020 - 2021.
- Rafael Lozano-Hemmer: Cercanía, Arsenal Art Contemporain, Montréal, Québec, Canada, 2020.
- Rafael Lozano-Hemmer: Decision Forest, Amorepacific Museum of Art, Seoul, South Korea, 2018.
- Armory Show, Galería Max Estrella, New York City, New York, United States, 2018.
Credits
- Stephan Schulz, Pipo Pierre-Louis - Hardware
- Stephan Schulz, Marc Lavallée - Software
- Sebastien Dallaire, Generique Design - Industrial Design
- Jessica Blanchet, Orion Szydel, Leo Maraviglia, Daniel Cortina, Carolina Murillo-Morales, Miguel Legault, Karine Charbonneau, Charlotte McCurdy - Antimodular Production
Photo library (click to expand)
2018 - Amorepacific Museum of Art, Seoul, South Korea