JAMESAKERS.NET

This light and sound installation created in collaboration with Alicia Eggert evokes the power of collaboration by requiring participants to hold hands in order to complete an electrical circuit. When people first enter the room, they encounter a stark white space that is devoid of light and color. Handprint sensors on a central platform and two side walls are spaced far enough apart so that a single person can't touch both sensors on their own. When two or more people join together to bridge that physical and metaphorical divide, the room begins to come to life. The longer participants hold hands, the more the room crescendos being filling the with light, color and sound. Individually controllable neon lights create animated starbursts on the walls and ceiling whose flashing patterns increase in speed over time. Hundreds of neon and LED lightbulbs illuminate a sign that says “You Are Magic,” and when the show reaches its climax a disco ball is activated in the ceiling. The electronics are algorithmically programmed to create a unique experience for each set of participants, including a variety of musical scores composed by Evan Scallan. Collaboration is key however, as soon as participants break their physical connection, the room immediately goes dark and silent once again.