Reverberating Light

Immersive Installation, 2023 — EMPAC, Troy, NY

Reverberating Light is a large-scale light and sound installation by Yael Erel and Avner Ben-Natan, incorporating dynamic reflected light drawings that engage with  soundscapes by Pauline Oliveros, Jonas Braasch and Zach Layton recorded through the Dan Harpole Cistern System. The work explores the intersection of architecture, sound, and light, translating the unique acoustic fingerprint of the cistern into a multisensory environment.

Light shines onto stainless steel discs and reflects dynamic light drawings that respond to sound, creating a sense that both the sound and the light are alive. Data engraved onto the reflector by a robotic arm is derived from the footprint of the cistern along with the way that sound  reverberates off the cistern itself. Once illuminated, the information is reflected and transposed into light drawings. Multiple reflections from one light source create a sense of reverberation echoed in both light and sound.

As viewers enter the space they are immersed within a field of light and sound reverberation. Echoing the intent of Pauline Oliveros’s Deep Listening practice, this work aspires to support this sense of immersion and focus in a meditative space by enhancing the soundscape as a multi-sensory experience. 

The experience is enhanced with Dance and Interaction Design by Ophra Wolf, in collaboration with community members, further activating the field of light. Technical support was provided by the RPI SoA Fabrication Lab, Clair Moriarty, and Technical Integration by Samuel Chabot, with assistance from RPI Architecture research students Maddie Mast, Joey Morse, Joe Pelton, and Rebecca Victor.

Curated by EMPAC Research and supported by lightexture, Reverberating Light was made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts and The Arts Center of the Capital Region. The project has received widespread acclaim, including First Prize at the [d]arc Awards - Art [low budget], finalist honors for the Lumen Prize, recognition as Best Project at ACADIA 2024, and IES Illumination Award of Merit.

Dimensions: 66’ x 55’ x 38’

Installation by Yael Erel

Light Design: Yael Erel and Avner Ben Natan 

Soundscape: Pauline Oliveros, Jonas Braasch, and Zach Layton using the Dan Harpole Cistern System

Technical integration: Samuel Chabot

Robotics support: RPI School of Architecture Fabrication Lab and Clair Moriarty

RPI Research Students: Maddie Mast, Joey Morse, Joe Pelton, and Rebecca Victor Funding: This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Arts Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature; administered by The Arts Center of the Capital Region. Supported by lightexture.