Birds Fly Around With You

Masamichi Shimada

Kochi, Japan

Modeled after the American Robin, Wisconsin’s state bird, 24 birds are displayed in different positions of flight. While walking through the circle, sensors detect a presence, causing each bird to light up. This interactive artwork creates the illusion of birds flapping their wings as they light up in sequence. Birds travel around the world and make friends with people everywhere. Within the glowing circle of birds, people of all cultures, languages, and races can play together.

Pro Tip

The faster you travel around in the circle the more rapidly the birds illuminate. When more than one person is moving within the circle, another surprise occurs.

Inside the Installation

Materials: Acrylic plate, LED strips, iron, micro controllers, 3-D printed parts

  1. Since its initial release, this work has been exhibited in more than 10 countries. 

  2. I redesigned the bird for GLEAM. The model is the American Robin. 

  3. There are six different wing shapes to express the animation of flapping wings. 

  4. The inspiration for this work came from seeing seagulls at the beach and thinking how nice it would be to be friends with them (the model for the first edition was a seagull).

  5. The total length of LED strips used in this work is 33 feet.

Artist Bio

Masamichi Shimada

Inspired by the “mystery” evoked by the forms and behaviors found in nature, Masamichi creates three-dimensional works using LED light sources and industrial materials such as iron and plastic. These works are then presented as light installations. Over the course of his career, Masamichi has showcased work at light festivals around the world.

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