A masterpiece of art, technology and architecture – this is how the light and sound installation "Sphere" created by the Spanish art studio "MID Studio" after numerous experiments with light, material surfaces and technologies is described, which we will see on January 24–26 at St. Catherine's Church, during the Vilnius Festival of Lights.
The hypnotic and immersive interactive light installation was presented at the Barcelona Light Festival "LlumBCN" (Spain). After visiting such festivals as "Gau Zuria" (Bilbao, Portugal), "MAC festival" (Barcelona, Spain), "Zsolnay" (Hungary), "Lluernia" (Olot, Spain) and receiving great attention from art critics and the general public, it will invite Vilnius residents and guests of the capital for personal conversations and, through emotional experiences, will subtly remind them of the importance of small, yet important details in our lives.
The partnership with the café chain Caffeine contributed to the unique opportunity to add the impressive, rarely publicly demonstrated work "Sfera" to the Vilnius Festival of Lights program.
The shape of the installation resembles a sphere
"Sphere" is a semicircular structure reflecting the harmony of heaven and earth, consisting of 315 LED lights, more than 2 km of electrical cables and a matrix of 625 mirrors, controlled in real time using the DMX protocol. High-level engineering solutions and a soundtrack created using mathematical algorithms turn the installation into a spectacular spectacle.
The creators emphasize that the most important goal of this project was not only to create a visually appealing object, but also to provoke the viewer to react and actively participate.
About creative processes firsthand
To better understand the creative process, technical complexity, and emotional impact of the interactive installation "Sfera," we interviewed MID Studio representatives Xevi Bayona and Alex Posada.
What was the main inspiration for creating "Sphere"?
The idea for "Sphere" came from exploring the interplay of perception, emotion, sound, and light. We have always been fascinated by the profound experiences that can be created by the combination of these sensory elements.
"Sphere" was conceived as a space where you can get lost, a dynamic dialogue of light and sound - an immersive journey that connects art, technology and people.
What technological challenges did you face while creating this installation?
It was necessary to seamlessly synchronize the connection between the vintage LED lights and the audio software in real time, as well as ensure a precise and perfectly harmonious connection between the selected analog lighting control and the soundscape creation software.
Initially, we envisioned a more static setup, with pre-programmed lighting modules and sound. However, we quickly realized that adding more dynamism and creativity would make the experience much more interesting and natural. To be able to respond in real time, we needed to change the system architecture and improve the software algorithms and optimize the performance of the analog equipment.
Another challenge was working with vintage technology such as LED bulbs. While these bulbs look impressive and are important from an aesthetic perspective compared to modern lighting systems, they have unique technical limitations. Extensive testing and calibration were required to ensure they would respond quickly and consistently in the generation system.
What does "Sphere" symbolize? What do you want to tell the audience?
"Sphere" symbolizes balance and harmony between opposing but complementary forces. The hemispherical shape, mirror reflection, and interplay of sound and light are a metaphor for duality – nature and technology, simplicity and complexity, chaos and order. Its main idea is to encourage the audience to pause, reflect, and reconnect their sensory perceptions in an increasingly fast-paced digital world.
How do visitors react to the interactive dialogue of light and sound? Do you have any memorable stories from past demonstrations of the installation?
Visitors are often mesmerized by the way sound and light seem to speak to each other. One memorable moment was at the LlumBCN festival in Barcelona, when a child spontaneously started dancing to the rhythm of the changing lights and music. It was a great example of how Sfera connects with the audience on a deep emotional level, inviting spontaneous and personal interactions.
How does Sfera contribute to the discussion about the synthesis of contemporary art and technology?
"Sphere" shows that combining generative design, custom engineering, artistic intuition, and technology can be not only a tool for artistic expression, but also a means.
This encourages discussions about how digital innovations can bridge creative disciplines. For example, for this project we chose luminous elements – vintage light bulbs that everyone has at home – to show that it is possible to create something beautiful without necessarily using cutting-edge or specialized technology. With a little creativity and good taste, everyday objects can be transformed into extraordinary works of art.
What are your thoughts on the Vilnius Light Festival as a platform to present your installation?
It is fascinating how harmoniously light and urban spaces interact at the Vilnius Festival of Lights. Unlike some larger festivals, Vilnius provides an intimate environment where installations can blend with the city’s architecture and cultural identity. Presenting “Sphere” in a church space promises a unique experience that enhances the emotional impact of the installation. We are delighted to share this project with Lithuanian audiences, giving them the opportunity to connect with art and technology in such a meaningful and emotional environment.
You can have a personal conversation with the interactive installation "Sphere" on January 24–26 at St. Catherine's Church during the Vilnius Festival of Lights.
