PARASTELLA
by Christopher Schardt
A disc of LEDs 20’ in diameter. Approximately 14,000 LEDs in 48 spokes light up the ceiling in patterns generated from Hubble photographs, videos, and computer algorithms. The patterns are accompanied by ambient electronic music, creating a mesmerizing setting in a comfortable space, inviting visitors to relax and contemplate.
About the artist
Christopher Schardt has been creating large-scale sculpture since 2000, focusing on LEDs since 2013. He works in aluminum, stainless steel, glass, plastics, electronics, and software. Schardt’s pieces are of various sizes and configurations, from 2,000 to 22,000 individually controllable LEDs. The animated imagery displayed depends on the installation. Sometimes a slow, organic pattern is appropriate, sometimes something more photorealistic, at other times psychedelic. Mr. Schardt seeks to create sights and sounds that delight and surprise, while staying in concert with the surrounding environment. Schardt's works have been exhibited at places such as Burning Man (2000 - 2004 & 2010 - 2013), the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery, as well as public displays in Houston, San Francisco and Las Vegas among others.
