Transient Luminous Event

Transient Luminous Event is a site-specific edition of Heckaman's work Maelstrom, and takes its name from the high-altitude lightnig that occurs above large storm cells. Lasers, like bolts of lightning, strike and violently erupt the canvas at random, amidst participants interacting with the canvas (safety precautions and programatic guardrails were in place to ensure the safety of everyone involved).

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The paths of the lasers are intentionally left to chance, reflecting the randomness of both the work's namesake and the volatile dynamics of our interconnected world.  By integrating uncontrollable technological elements that directly affects viewers' interactions, the piece confronts the balance between control and surrender, questioning how we adapt to forces beyond our understanding.

Created with the collaboration of Spencer Sterling.