The installation references the positive effects of artistic collaboration and networks of ideas leading to unexpected conclusions. Approached in the final stages of planning for the Earls Court design exhibition, [musson+retallick] had a six week timescale to design and build the installation and approached Applelec with a proposal to use sculpted LED Light Sheet shapes.

Keri Handley, Applelec’s marketing manager, comments: ‘I was immediately intrigued by Neil and Jono’s concept. I admire Neil’s work and despite the terrifying timescale for a project of this nature, I was confident he and Jono would create a truly remarkable installation with LED Light Sheet.’

In their first joint project, [musson+retallick] have been inspired by neural systems responding to electrical signals and by mycelia (an intricate fungal network spreading nutrients across vast areas). Sculptural shapes refer to the silent communication between birds in flight.

Aesthetic challenges to change elements of the product’s manufacturing processes, including the removal of a sealing tape and the reflective material applied to the reverse of the unit, resulted in a transformation of LED Light Sheet. The deconstruction of the product revealed a simpler and more elegant material which was not only exciting to work with, but which ensured a new and unique quality was discovered for the installation.

Neil Musson explains: ‘Applelec were very willing to explore new possibilities for their product and LED Light Sheet is an ideal material to relay our concept. Light is a metaphor for new ideas and this relates directly to the aims of 100% Design. LED Light Sheet offered us the delicate translucent quality that we were looking for in contrast to a sharp and precise finish.’

musson+retallick.com

Photography by emmabrownphotography.com