giant spiralling installation by karolina halatek immerses spectators in light + fog

karolina halatek devises a multidimensional sensory experience

Contemporary artist Karolina Halatek conjures a giant tubular installation which spirals to immerse spectators in a transportive white glow of LED light and gentle clouds of fog. Titled ‘Ascent’, the winding form emerges from a raised platform, encircling visitors in a physical and sensory whirlwind which transports them to another spatial and spiritual dimension. With human interaction, the spiral transforms from a standalone sculptural piece to a monumental and participatory dynamic space, opening up new perceptions of reality and space, and directing attention toward bodily sensations in the explicit environment.

‘Ascent’ by Karolina Halatek | image by Adam Bogdan

an immersive display of light and fog transports spectators

Karolina Halatek’s ‘Ascent’ offers a unique immersive experience that invites viewers to step inside the spiral and experience a new spatial dimension integrated with the space of reality. As the viewer enters the interactive installation, they become its central point, engulfed by vibrant light emanating from the spiral and a mist of fog which slowly rises. They are free to approach and interact with the work according to its shifting sensual responses and displays, evoking a new perceptual imagination each time. ‘The site-specific installation embodies a variety of archetypical and physical association — from microscopic observations, electromagnetic wave dynamics, and atmospheric phenomena of a whirlwind to a spiritual epiphany.’ explains the artist.

vibrant light and ascending mists of fog emanate from the tubular spiral

exploring multisensory perceptions through design

Polish artist Karolina Halatek’s work characteristically uses light to create experiential site-specific spaces that seamlessly incorporate visual, architectural and sculptural elements. Seeing her work primarily as a catalyst for experience, Halatek’s installations have remarkable immersive characteristics which are often the result of collaborations with quantum physicists and precision mechanical engineers. 

Her newest work ‘Ascent’ offers a unique art experience at the ‘Sensoria: The Art & Science of Our Senses’ exhibition at the Center for Contemporary Art Laznia in Gdansk, Poland. The exhibition curated by Nina Czegledy is a multi-site project is focused on multisensory perception in the arts and the sciences. The cross-disciplinary initiative which will be on show until 30 October, 2022, explores our sensory world through scientific, social, cultural and scholastic interpretations.

the spiral transforms from a standalone sculptural piece to a participatory dynamic space | image by Adam Bogdan

‘Ascent’ is composed of wood, LED, PVC, and steel | image by Karolina Halatek with Jose Corral

an immersive physical and sensory whirlwind | image by Karolina Halatek with Mario Lito

the interactive, performative display at Center for Contemporary Art Laznia in Gdansk, Poland

project info:

name: Ascent
designer: Karolina Halatek

exhibition: Sensoria: The Art & Science of Our Senses’ at the Center for Contemporary Art Laznia, Poland

project coordination and curatorial supervision: Aleksandra Kiężopolska (Artist Residency Curator at CCA Laznia), Lila Bosowska (Curator for Research and Curatorial Residencies at CCA Laznia), Magdalena Kamborska (artistic producer at Publish Art), Arkadiusz Kania (artistic blacksmithing)

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions’ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: ravail khan | designboom