The Light in Winter launched with the unveiling of Solar Equation
by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer
4 June to 4 July, nightly from sunset to midnight in the Main Square, FREE
(Fridays and Saturdays extended hours)

Solar Equation, The Light in Winter, by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer

The Light in Winter program was launched on 4th June with the spectacular unveiling of Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s world premiere large–scale commission, Solar Equation. A large crowd witnessed the emergence of a new public artwork as five-year-old Tehani Cross from the local Tuvalu and Kiribati community switched on the installation to have the sun rise in an uncanny spectacle.
Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s work is respected by art cognoscenti from all corners of the globe and his first major work in Australia, which was specially commissioned for The Light in Winter, proved a stunning accomplishment that is set to hover over Fed Square until 4 July.

A faithful three dimensional simulation of the sun roughly the size of the Flinders Street Station dome yet 100 million times smaller than the real thing, Solar Equation highlights the beauty and complexity of solar behaviour as recorded by recent astronomical observations. This project seeks to provide a platform for discussion about environmental issues such as drought, conservation and global warming, while presenting a poetic and mysterious backdrop. Solar Equation features solar animations projected on to the world’s largest custom-built spherical balloon
generated by live mathematical equations that simulate the turbulence, flares and sunspots on the sun’s surface. These animations produce a constantly changing display that never repeats itself and can be manipulated with a free downloadable application that can be used on iphones, ipads and the ipod touch to control movements in real time.

Directed by Robyn Archer, The Light in Winter is a month-long celebration of light, enlightenment and shared cultural experiences, with a free program of concerts, film screenings, light-based artworks, exhibitions, forums and the much-loved Solstice Celebration on 19 June.

The Light in Winter
4 June – 4 July
Federation Square, Melbourne
Free
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