MARS Studio and the Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) Design School have unveiled 'Mirage,' a striking interactive installation that transforms the visual language of fireworks into an immersive architectural experience. The collaborative artwork, located in the lakeside green space of Shanghai Xintiandi, serves as a centerpiece for the Shanghai Xintiandi Design Festival. Project leaders Ma Ning and Yu Jiashi spearheaded the creative development of this innovative public art piece.
The installation draws direct inspiration from renowned artist Cai Guo-Qiang's explosive pyrotechnic works, translating the dynamic energy and visual spectacle of fireworks into a series of carefully orchestrated geometric forms. The design captures the precise moment when fireworks reach their peak bloom, creating a frozen explosion that aligns perfectly with the festival's overarching theme of 'Boundless Playground.' This conceptual approach emphasizes interactive engagement and public participation as core elements of the artistic experience.
Mirage's construction features an intricate system of gradient nylon rope screens that form continuous, flowing curved contours throughout the installation space. The deliberate color scheme incorporates green, blue, and orange-red hues, drawing artistic inspiration from Henri Matisse's iconic work 'La Gerbe.' Each color carries symbolic meaning within the installation: green represents the natural world, blue evokes the expansive sky, and orange-red symbolizes blooming flowers, creating a harmonious dialogue between art and nature.
As visitors navigate around the installation, the overlapping rope configurations produce constantly shifting visual effects that transform the viewer's perception of color and light. This dynamic interplay creates an ever-changing visual experience where movement becomes an integral part of the artistic narrative. The overlapping elements blend and separate colors in real-time, offering each visitor a unique perspective based on their position and movement through the space.
The technological integration includes a sophisticated sound-responsive lighting system that activates through environmental interaction. Vibrations generated by visitor movement and physical touch trigger pre-programmed lighting sequences, establishing a direct connection between human presence and the installation's visual output. This responsive technology creates an intimate dialogue between the audience and the artwork, making each interaction a collaborative creative moment.
The lighting system synchronizes with an original musical composition created by Yu Yibin of the XJTLU Design School, adding an auditory dimension to the visual spectacle. The programmed lighting sequences change in color intensity and brightness patterns that correspond directly to the musical arrangements, creating a multi-sensory experience that engages visitors on multiple levels simultaneously.
Through its innovative combination of sculptural form, advanced materials, and interactive sensory technology, Mirage functions as a transformative public space intervention that seamlessly merges visual art, sound design, and participatory community experience. The collaborative effort between MARS Studio and XJTLU Design School successfully transforms the traditionally ephemeral and fleeting qualities of fireworks into a permanent installation that continuously responds to its surrounding environment and audience engagement in real-time, creating a lasting cultural landmark for Shanghai's design community.
