Wave

Wave consists of some five hundred individual suspended orbs, points of presence brought to life through light and sound, that collectively create a resonant and dynamic audiovisual experience – a sustaining space within which each orb resonates in changing harmonies to create an enveloping and entrancing physical presence.

Each orb in the wave is an autonomous sensate unit consisting of LED lights, speaker and microcomputer, with movement sensor and wireless connectivity. Together they create a walkthrough immersive experience; 500 points of light, 500 voices, interconnected using Internet of Things technology and acting in choreographed harmony to create a series of emotive and enticing, sensual immersive environments – a sanctuary in this crazy world.

The piece was originally commissioned by Salisbury Cathedral, and is a continuation of Squidsoup’s ongoing explorations and obsession with elemental themes, particularly water, 

together with their passion for creating emotive and immersive experiences using various forms of digital materiality.

Squidsoup are pioneers in the use of light, sound and technology to create immersive installations. We encourage people to view the world from different perspectives, by presenting new kinds of evocative and beguiling experience. Our work has been seen by millions of people across the globe since 1997 in galleries and live events, festivals and solo exhibitions.

From art galleries to outdoor urban contexts, festivals to shopping malls, our work brings new life and an additional dynamic augmented layer, transforming space and peoples’ experiences of it.

Recent exhibitions and events include Burning Man Festival (2018,9), Canary Wharf (2017, 2019, 2020), Durham Lumiere (2019), Liverpool River of Light (2019,21), Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (2017,2019), Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History (2021), Salisbury and Gloucester Cathedrals (2015,18,20), Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew (2015,16,18), SIGGRAPH (2016),  Sydney Opera House (2016) and Ars Electronica (2011). Our key work Submergence has been exhibited over 70 times on six continents.

We also work regularly with renowned electronica musician Four Tet, creating bespoke boundary-defying immersive light shows for a series of live concerts, including Alexandra Palace (London UK, 2019), LA, New York and Sydney Opera House (2015-8). Mixmag called it “the best live show in the world”.