University of the Sunshine Coast in association with Insite Arts presents Architects of Air’s Arboria luminarium – a monumental pneumatic walk-in sculpture dedicated to the theme of ‘trees’ and designed to generate a sense of wonder at the beauty of light and colour. The immersive and interactive sculptures of Architects of Air, designed by Alan Parkinson, have delighted audiences across the globe for 25 years. Architects of Air have toured the luminaria since 1992 in 43 countries welcoming over three million visitors at more than 600 exhibitions across five continents.
The huge, air-filled structure will be exhibited at USC’s Sippy Downs campus from 25 August to 3 September as part of the Sunshine Coast Council’s annual Horizon Festival of Arts & Culture. Artist Alan Parkinson said each luminarium was a monument to the beauty of light and colour, offering a dazzling maze of winding paths and soaring domes inspired by Islamic and Gothic architecture...“It’s an experience which awakens all the senses, creating a sense of wonder and enchantment for all ages as visitors are immersed in a unique sensory experience,” he said.
“In Arboria, visitors start by removing their shoes and entering an airlock. Once inside they can explore freely, follow their map through the maze or just lay back and enjoy the unique experience. Upon entering, a visitor’s first reaction is often one of delight at the unexpected beauty of the ligh t...Through labyrinthine tunnels and cavernous domes,visitors move in a medium of saturated and subtle hues. Vivid reflections of liquid colour spill across the curved walls creating a world apart from the normal and every day.”
Visitors to Arboria also will be treated to a transfixing sound experience of the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest and wildlife sounds and a piano composition by soundscape ecologist and musician Alice Eldridge (www.ecila.org).
