CONFORM

Over time, various techniques have been developed to “capture” the three-dimensional space around us on a flat, two-dimensional surface. All of these techniques attempt to give us the impression of looking into a 3D space and aim to be a reflection of reality. For example, one-point perspective brings parallel sightlines together into a fictional vanishing point—a point on the horizon where lines that are actually parallel converge into a single point on the canvas.

In his work Conform, Wes Broersen plays with the mathematical concept of one-point perspective. Bundled straight lines converge at a point—this time not on a white canvas, but instead drawn back into physical space. Broersen uses six RTI NEO S12 laser projectors with 36 lasers scanners in total, which work together to create a magical geometric play in one-point perspective within the physical space.
The resulting visual and auditory experience unsettles our normative understanding of space and invites us to reflect on how we as humans relate to the space around us. Laser lines form structures and continuously establish new connections.

During the composition, the installation begins in a chaotic state and gradually shifts multiple times into an organized form. The abundance of laser lines creates architectural light structures in the air that harmoniously come together. Spatial sound composer Marijn Cinjee has created a generative soundscape, and together with the light, a dynamic world emerges—one that can constantly fall apart and deform.

For the “Schemerlicht: Festival” in Nijmegen, artist Wes Broersen created a fascinating light art installation called “Conform”. This installation used laser projectors to create a unique visual experience based on the concept of one-point perspective. The aim was to challenge the perception of space and encourage reflection on the human relationship to space.

Six RTI NEO S12 were selected to realize this artistic vision. These systems were chosen due to their ability to enable multiple individually controllable scanner sets per laser. This feature was crucial to create the complex geometric patterns and dynamic light structures of the installation. The installation used laser technology to create lines in space that appear to converge in a virtual vanishing point. The precise control of the laser beams created architectural light structures that continuously changed and reformed.

In combination with a generative soundscape, the laser projectors made it possible to create a dynamic world in which light and sound are in constant motion. The ShowNET control technology allowed precise control over the lasers and thus contributed significantly to the effect of the installation. The visuals and content of the installation were developed with Touchdesigner.

The light art installation “Conform” impressively demonstrates the potential of laser technology to create unique and immersive art experiences in public spaces.