We’ve had multiple opportunities to immerse ourselves in the work of Trafik, especially their piece 72, a light structure shaped as an interactive architectural installation that plays with your sense of perspective. The work has even made the rounds at some of our French events this year, making appearances at the Musée d'Art Contemporain in Lyon during Nuits sonores and the Gaïté Lyrique in Paris. After having spent so much time with this work, we’ve grown quite attached to it, so naturally we asked ourselves where it had wandered off to once the events were over. Trafik provided us with updates: currently located in Paris, it’s doing well but has undergone something of a transformation. The work has evolved into a new installation that offers entirely new perspectives. One could compare it to a butterfly leaving its cocoon, a fruit that recedes from a flower, or Jeff Goldblum wedding a would-be fly.72 has thus become VS. It is currently on display at the A Glass House gallery in Paris. We took some time to ask Pierre Rodière from Trafik to clarify this metamorphosis.The Creators Project: Is VS still 72? What is the nature of the transformation that took place and what pushed you to do so?
Pierre Rodière: You could say that it is an augmented version [of 72]. It is the same piece but a chassis has been removed due to space constraints (There are now 5 instead of 6). 72 was built by LEC, an urban lighting manufacturer. VS was built by SAAZS, who produce objects of glass, light and technology. Tomas Erel (creative director of SAAZS) came to us and we naturally made that choice. We wanted to make a model with an extra chassis to accentuate the perspective. SAAZS managed to build it using mirrors. The LED bars we had on 72 became lit strips of glass – the whole structure is contained in a 6×4m volume, giving two points of view—one inside and one outside.Would you consider 72 to be a travelling piece? What is changed during deployment? How does the environment and exhibition space impact the work?
72 and VS are two structures that were built with mobility in mind. They can both be disassembled and carried wherever. VS can be set up indoors, whereas 72 functions outside. The location does not carry much importance, provided there is enough space available. Each work being unique, it is important to be able to enjoy the different available perspectives.How did you deal with each deployment? I have in mind the MAC in Lyon, the Gaïté lyrique and this latest gallery.
72 was set up in the entrance of the MAC. It was a well-lit, bustling space located between ticket counters. We weren't too keen with this proximity, but it wasn't much of a problem in the end. As for the Gaïté lyrique, it was perfect. We were located on the fourth floor right next to the concert hall. It was a virgin space, with little light. Furthermore, the concert hall was lined with mirrors—the structure's image was reflected, adding another dimension. We also asked a sound designer to create the interactive sound effects. The A Glass House gallery is a stunning location, sober and very well lit. The structure is set in a large 6m x 4m volume. Two mirrors at the front and rear create an autonomous space within the volume.What part do the mirrors play in this latest edition? Did you aim to extend the 72 experience and add more perspective?
The idea was to accentuate the perspective—it worked well. Whether you are inside or outside, you can't understand much and often end up getting lost [in it].Do you have new "identities" for 72 in mind? Are you planning other works based on interactivity and light?
72 will stay as it is, however, we have new light installation projects. We'll give you more insights in due time…
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Pierre Rodière: You could say that it is an augmented version [of 72]. It is the same piece but a chassis has been removed due to space constraints (There are now 5 instead of 6). 72 was built by LEC, an urban lighting manufacturer. VS was built by SAAZS, who produce objects of glass, light and technology. Tomas Erel (creative director of SAAZS) came to us and we naturally made that choice. We wanted to make a model with an extra chassis to accentuate the perspective. SAAZS managed to build it using mirrors. The LED bars we had on 72 became lit strips of glass – the whole structure is contained in a 6×4m volume, giving two points of view—one inside and one outside.Would you consider 72 to be a travelling piece? What is changed during deployment? How does the environment and exhibition space impact the work?
72 and VS are two structures that were built with mobility in mind. They can both be disassembled and carried wherever. VS can be set up indoors, whereas 72 functions outside. The location does not carry much importance, provided there is enough space available. Each work being unique, it is important to be able to enjoy the different available perspectives.How did you deal with each deployment? I have in mind the MAC in Lyon, the Gaïté lyrique and this latest gallery.
72 was set up in the entrance of the MAC. It was a well-lit, bustling space located between ticket counters. We weren't too keen with this proximity, but it wasn't much of a problem in the end. As for the Gaïté lyrique, it was perfect. We were located on the fourth floor right next to the concert hall. It was a virgin space, with little light. Furthermore, the concert hall was lined with mirrors—the structure's image was reflected, adding another dimension. We also asked a sound designer to create the interactive sound effects. The A Glass House gallery is a stunning location, sober and very well lit. The structure is set in a large 6m x 4m volume. Two mirrors at the front and rear create an autonomous space within the volume.What part do the mirrors play in this latest edition? Did you aim to extend the 72 experience and add more perspective?
The idea was to accentuate the perspective—it worked well. Whether you are inside or outside, you can't understand much and often end up getting lost [in it].Do you have new "identities" for 72 in mind? Are you planning other works based on interactivity and light?
72 will stay as it is, however, we have new light installation projects. We'll give you more insights in due time…