Your Magic is Real

2019/2025

Made in collaboration with
James Akers

Dimensions variable

Neon, LEDs, steel, aluminum, acrylic, sound, electronics

This immersive light and sound installation is designed to inspire wonder and to evoke the power of collaboration. When people first enter the room, they encounter a space that is devoid of light and color. Handprint sensors on a central platform are spaced far enough apart that a single person can't touch both sensors on their own. But when two or more people join together to bridge that physical and metaphorical divide, a small electrical current passes through their bodies to complete a circuit, and the room immediately begins to come to life. The longer participants hold hands, the more the room fills with light, color and sound. As soon as participants break their physical connection, the space immediately goes dark and silent once again.

Ed. 1 includes music composed by Evan Scallan. Ed. 2 includes music composed by Marco Buongiorno Nardelli, with voice samples by Júlia Coelho. Neon bending by Nebula Neon. Electrical engineering and programming by Jason Mishou. Fabrication assistance provided by Ryan Goolsby, Megan Scoma, Allison Wentworth, Diego Ponce Hernandez, Christina Vasquez and Archit Karkare.

Photos by Adam Neese and Vision & Verve.