Spherical Vortex, 1999
Electric torch bulb, rotating parts, electromotor; sphere diameter: 0-30 cm, complete structure: 80 x 40 x 50 cm
4 colour photographs (40 x 40 cm each)
Spherical Vortex is the path of a flashlight bulb made by connecting three separate whirling movements of different velocity. Starting from a single point, the light-source makes a spiral of growing radius, describing a 'sphere'. Having reached its final limit, the light spirals back into a point-source state. Parallel to the exhibition of the moving device, 4 photos are on display which were made with different exposures (consecutive or long exposure), revealing the path of light that is invisible to the naked eye.
Hemisphere
The Hemisphere is produced by two, synchronised revolutions, that is, a revolving element rotated around an axis. The speed of the two revolutions, and the “density” of the spiralling hemisphere are determined by the relation between the two speeds. The two revolutions occur in planes forming a 45 degree angle.
The construction is based on a motor-driven, heavy disc (revolution 1), on the edge of which there is a device which rotates a thin metal rod (revolution 2). The rod is fitted with a small light bulb at each end, which, according to the geometrical relationship between the rod and the disc, is only able to describe a hemisphere. The hemisphere forms a dome-shaped cover over the construction by which it has been created, while the construction, due to the dark background and the speed of rotation, becomes practically invisible. The spiralling hemisphere, of course, does not appear to the naked eye as it appears on the photo, since the image is the result of the interaction of two machines, (the construction and a long exposure camera). What is actually visible to the spectator are two rays of light spiralling up and down, describing a widening and narrowing movement while changing place with each other. The rays obviously follow a curved surface, which, after a short period of observation, can be identified as a hemisphere.Hemisphere, pocket-torch bulbs, revolving parts, electronic accessories.
