PANDORA BY FREDRIKSONSTALLARD FOR SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL PALACE, APRIL 2007

IN REINTERPRETING THE CLASSIC CHANDELIER, FREDRICKSON STALLARD DECIDE TO LITERALLY EXPLODE IT.

With Pandora, the form of the chandelier is constantly destroyed and recreated through movement which is generated by computer-controlled servo motors. The 1,990 Swarovski crystals are initially suspended in the form of a recognizable chandelier, before slowly erupting into controlled chaos. Movement is an integral part of the chandelier, maximizing the reflective and refractive qualities of the crystal.

The project presented a real technical challenge due to its scale, weight and the vast number of independently suspended crystals. Despite these issues, Moritz Waldemeyer was able to transform the concept from a computer animation into a reality: He created the illusion of completely chaotic movement using only four computer-controlled turbo motors that are programmed to move in a cycle.  Through the ever-changing permutation of the Swarovski crystals a theatrical relationship is established between the piece and the viewer.