Swarovski collaborates at Design Miami with Troika

For the third consecutive year, Swarovski Crystal Palace is a sponsor of Design Miami/, and will exhibit “Falling Light” in collaboration with London art and design talent, Troika. The work is a cornerstone element of Swarovski’s sponsorship of Design Miami/ 2010 running from 30th November to 5th December, 2010.

“Falling Light” is a multi-sensory installation, consisting of 50 ceiling-mounted illumination devices, powerful LEDs emanating from a delicate, mechanised “arm”, and projections of light from all angles through an optically pure, custom-cut Swarovski crystal lens. Sight and sound converge in the space, demanding that viewers play the role of participants, observing and absorbing the energy of the space.

The lens - like a prism - will refract and transform the white light of the LEDs, immersing visitors in a virtual shower of light “drops”. The drops, appearing as if encircled by vibrant halos of rainbow colours will rhythmically radiate outward upon hitting the pristine gallery floor. Subtle humming of the space’s mechanisms at work will provide a chorus in tune with the light’s ephemeral movements. Encompassing the concepts of evanescence and fluidity evident in Troika's iconic pieces, the surface harshness of technological elements fades, leaving a deceptively simple experience of the sublime.

Sebastien Noel of Troika explains: "For 'Falling Light' we chose to work with the intrinsic qualities of Swarovski Crystal optical lenses and their ability to achieve the most precise and pure rainbow halo; in a way, we reduced the use of the crystals to their essence, their bare optical properties… The magic of crystals and their extreme transparency allowed us to bend our visual world, which is key to our installation."

The collaboration is in line with Swarovski’s mission to support emerging talent from the architecture, design, art and technology worlds, constantly redefining the use of crystal as a material for expression. “Swarovski Crystal Palace is a platform for creative expression and experimentation with innovation and technology, says Nadja Swarovski, Vice President of International Communications at Swarovski. This year’s collaboration with Troika’s mechanical installation demonstrates the purest expression of crystal, making that as a functional lens which catches and refracts light.

To find out more please click on the link below:
www.swarovski.tv