Nocturnal Bloom

Oliver Lewis

Charlotte, NC

Nocturnal Bloom reimagines the Foxglove flower as an interactive kaleidoscopic. Over 100 kaleidoscopes are combined to create three foxglove flowers, which generate a geometric performance of light inside each flower as people engage with them. The kaleidoscopes are aligned so every photo you take will capture a dazzling display unseen by the human eye.

Pro Tip

There are three identical foxglove flowers to interaction with, if one is busy with guests move forward to find the next flower. No need to touch, just peer inside the kaleidoscopes and move your head around like a busy bee to create motion inside. Take a photo inside the kaleidoscope for enhanced perspective! The blue flowers spin, creating a mirror ball effect inside the individual kaleidoscopes.

Inside the Installation

Materials: Molded urethane plastic, fiberglass, acrylic mirrors, UV black light resins, and steel.

The idea for the installation came to me as I watched bees pollinate flowers. I imagined people in place of the bees, buzzing around the flowers. But instead of pollen and nectar, the people's reward is a stunning visual display. The kaleidoscopes are tapered mirror designs that create 3D geometric effects and animations as people engage with the flowers.

Artist Bio

Oliver Lewis

Oliver Lewis is a visual artist educated in mathematics, robotics, and chemical engineering. His diverse skill set and experience enable him to create visually striking installations that engage the public in the principles of science and mathematics. He has worked with several organizations, such as the Levine Children's Hospital, Discovery Place, Maker Faire CLT, Charlotte Center City Partners, Blumenthal Performing Arts, the City of Raleigh, Charlotte International Artist Festival, and US Bank and spoke about his creative journey at TEDx Charlotte.

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