Orbit Series
Michaela French (RCA Fulldome Research Group, Royal College of Art, London, UK)
michaela.french@network.rca.ac.uk : www.fulldome.rca.ac.uk : www.michaelafrench.com
This practice-based research project developed a method of recording light samples using embodied experience and durational observation. The process aims to transform real world observations of light into data sets. These are developed into light-based art works for gallery installation and immersive projection environments. The daylight observations took place on the 21st day of each month over a year. Beginning in pre-dawn, changes in luminance and colour were observed at a specific point near the horizon and are recorded in RGB values at 10 minute intervals until darkness fell.
The experience of observation combined with the infinity of light became deeply immersive and states of presence occurred regularly for the observer. The images resulting from this localised embodied process each show a single 24 hour observation. Combined they reflect the tilting orbit of the earth’s annual rotation around the sun.