Particles 2016
Immersive projection environment echoing the sublime beauty of the cosmos, commissioned by the Royal Astronomical Society to commemorate their 200th anniversary. Displayed at the Urdd Eisteddfod and the National Eisteddfod of Wales.
Jessica worked with physicist Professor Eleri Pryse from Aberystwyth University to gain insight into planetary and space science. The resulting artwork uses video projection covering the walls and ceiling, much like a planetarium. A large domed mirror in the centre of the room, reflects the entire space within it; creating an illusionary viewing experience within it's optical depth.
Standing within the room, explosions of particles move across and spiral around the space as if influenced by cosmic forces. The particles are then drawn together again in beautiful collisions, like stars or interstellar dust. This was achieved by creating a digital particle system in graphical software programmed to simulate gravitational and magnetic fields. The visual effects took inspiration from the stars and colours of aurora, galaxies and planetary nebulae. The piece also incorporated NASA footage of the Sun - adding a glorious warm glow to the space. The work was accompanied by an ambient soundscape composed by Ant Dickinson, using NASA sound recordings.
“We wanted to create an environment that is hypnotic and meditative, encouraging the viewer to contemplate life and existence or just simply to be immersed within what they see, hear and feel.... detached from the world as we most commonly know it. The patterns you see are intended to be evocative of celestial occurrences and the beauty and wonder we discover within them.” - Jessica Lloyd Jones.
The work is part of a wider project to present Astronomy and Geophysics through the arts, with the science of the universe viewed through the creative expression of the arts including poetry, music, art, dance and song. The project is a collaboration between the Urdd National Eisteddfod and the National Eisteddfod of Wales. It is led by Aberystwyth University and involves experts in Astronomy and Geophysics at several institutions. The project is funded by The Royal Astronomical Society, as part of RAS200, the Society’s bicentennial celebration in 2016.
