Optik

About Optik

An interactive installation by The Urban Conga, Optik reflects on our ability to play with our surroundings while giving the opportunity for brand new point of views on our daily environment. The essence of Optik lies in the captivating phenomena of reflection and refraction, where light and sound becomes a medium of discovery and interaction, inviting users to manipulate it and playfully reimagine their world.

The ten 6 feet (1,8 meters) gyroscope-like forms with, at the centre, a dichroic film, offer new ever- changing opportunities that reflect any ray of lights during the day while refracting the inner rings lighting at dusk. As the audience rotates each unit, they create their own endless cascade of colors. The experience is raised to another level as sound joins us on the rhythmical effort, turning each unit into a different musical instrument.

Through movement and reflection of light, each of these colourful units encourages the public to engage with another unit and other people within the space, sparking spontaneous conversations, dance parties, jam sessions, light shows, and to finally see each and everyone’s true colour. Optik transports people away from their daily routine and into a state of play; it is no longer just a photogenic monument within a space and becomes a communal hub for social connection.

This artwork is being presented in partnership with Global Streets with public funding from Arts Council England.

Easy read description

Optik is a playful light (refraction) and sound artwork made of ten large spinning shapes. During the day they reflect sunlight. At night, they glow with colour and sound. You can spin them to create light shows, music and connect with others.

Artist credits

Creator: The Urban Conga

Collaborator: Serge Maheu

Powered by: Creos

Location

Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool ONE, L1 8LW.

What 3 words: rent.rungs.crab

Accessibility information

A detailed description of Optik for those who are hearing impaired

Each of the 10 Optik modules is white and composed of an illuminated gyroscope mounted on a steel base, totaling , 6,6 feet (2 meters) in height. The gyroscope, measuring 5 feet (1.83 meters) in diameter, consists of three concentric rings. The outer ring is fixed and equipped with 20 lights, while the two inner rings pivot on separate axes and can be manually rotated by participants. The central ring features a disc with dichroic film that reflects rays of natural light during the day and refracts the inner lighting at dusk, creating a rich, ever-changing cascade of colours. One ring controls this colourful play of light, while the other activates a unique musical track—transforming each unit into a playful, interactive instrument.

Visual and Light considerations

The lighting element of this installation consists of light that has ever-changing colours.

Noise considerations

The audio element of this installation consists of a unique musical track activated by rotating the middle ring. The rhythm of the music responds to the speed of the user’s movement, turning each unit into a playful, interactive instrument. The soundtracks are inspired by instruments such as acoustic and electric piano, bass, timpani, glockenspiel, rain sounds, guitar harmonics, kalimba, agogo, and dulcimer. When several units are activated at once, their combined melodies create a rich, harmonious orchestral experience.

General considerations

The approach and circulation areas are level, please note, whilst the installation itself does not contain any seating areas; street furniture is situated in the vicinity of the installation in the area.