Lightning lamps: Exhibition throws light on meteorological wonders

Brussels – The Victor Hunt gallery is hosting Lumière, an exhibition of pendant lamps that transport visitors to the Earth’s turbulent early days.

Lumière, created by designers at Commonplace Studio, is a collection of independent lamps which, instead of shining light, cast projections of meteorological phenomenon such as clouds forming and intense lightning storms. 

When combined, each individual lamp forms part of a sprawling weather system that hangs droplet-like from the gallery ceiling, casting fractured light of varying intensities. Inside each hand-blown glass bulb, micro-projectors light up with images of swirling clouds and lightning, using a method pioneered in the early days of cinema, hence the name Lumière, a reference to one of the medium’s founding fathers.

For more on how the convergence between art and science is fuelling a fascination with celestial activity, dark matter and alchemy, check out our Lunar Grace design direction.