"Pulse Spiral," 2009
300 incandescent light bulbs, heart sensor, DMX controller, digital dimmer racks, computer, custom software
dimensions variable, from 400 to 900 cm tall and from 300 to 700 cm diameter
unique

Installation view at Center for Contemporary Culture - Melnikov Garash, Moscow, Russia.

The layout of lightbulbs for "Pulse Spiral" is based on the Phyllotaxis Spirals that are naturally derived from Fermat’s equation r=±ø^1/2. This pattern creates a spiral with the golden angle of 137.5º, which is often found in nature, for instance in sunowers. It turns out this pattern produces the most even--and beautiful-- three dimensional distribution of lightbulbs, forming a spiral paraboloid.

"Pulse Spiral" records and responds to the heart rate of participants who hold a sensor underneath. Originally commissioned for the opening of the Center for Contemporary Culture in Moscow in the constructivist Bakhmetevsky Bus Garage, the piece was inspired by engineer Vladimir Shukov who worked with Melnikov on this emblematic building from 1926-28.

Video courtesy of the artist and bitforms gallery nyc.

To learn more about Lozano-Hemmer's work, please visit:
bit.ly/pSbJgx
bit.ly/HeemCA