How can we capture and visualize something the human eye cannot normally see?<\/strong> Audire Fluctus<\/em>, an installation by artist Kry\u0161tof Br\u016fha<\/strong>, transforms the invisible electromagnetic fields surrounding us into mesmerizing patterns of light and color. This artistic object, created for Signal Festival 2024<\/strong> in collaboration with PrusaLab<\/strong>, became one of the festival\u2019s most captivating highlights. But how was the project brought to life? What challenges had to be overcome? And what lies behind its unique technical solution?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A\u00a0Data Totem That Makes the Invisible Visible<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The seven-meter-tall \u201cdata totem<\/strong>\u201d Audire Fluctus<\/em>, designed by Kry\u0161tof Br\u016fha, is a generative art installation<\/strong> that bridges modern technology with artistic vision. It translates invisible electromagnetic waves into a\u00a0visually striking sensory experience. The installation was developed in response to an open call<\/strong> Signal Calling<\/strong> as part of Signal Festival 2024<\/strong>, which aims to bring innovative and interactive artworks into public spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Technical Concept<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The piece works on the principle of double light polarization<\/strong> and the movement of a unique liquid called Spektraflux<\/strong>.
Spektraflux<\/em> is an optically active fluid developed by Kry\u0161tof Br\u016fha. It contains particles that twist the plane of polarized light, producing vivid and dynamic color effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sculpture is composed of three separate liquid tanks<\/strong>. Each segment consists of two nested clear acrylic tubes<\/strong>. The space between them is filled with Spektraflux<\/em>. Inside the central axis of each tank \u2013 where there is no liquid \u2013 is a\u00a0core section containing a\u00a0100W white LED light source<\/strong>, which shines inward onto a\u00a0polarizing film applied to the inner cylinder. The light becomes polarized<\/strong> as it passes through the first film and continues through the layer of Spektraflux<\/em> toward the outer cylinder<\/strong>, which is coated with a\u00a0second polarizing film<\/strong>, oriented to block direct visibility<\/strong> of the light source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This clever setup allows viewers to perceive only the shifting colors and flowing light effects<\/strong> generated by the movement of the Spektraflux<\/em> \u2013 not the source of the light itself. The result is a\u00a0striking, immersive visualization of the otherwise invisible electromagnetic world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Art & Visual Concept: Kry\u0161tof Br\u016fha<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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Breathing Light Through Liquid Movement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The movement of Spektraflux<\/em> is driven by three powerful bidirectional water pumps<\/strong>, operating on a\u00a0custom-programmed sequence<\/strong>. To create the program, the artist first scanned the electromagnetic waves<\/strong> at the installation site, converted them into digital values<\/strong>, and used this data to choreograph the pump activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electronics Engineered in PrusaLab<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The electronic control system<\/strong> of Audire Fluctus<\/em>, developed and built at PrusaLab<\/strong>, includes three custom control boards<\/strong> specifically designed to replace the pumps\u2019 original units. The system retains manual control functionality<\/strong>, allowing the pumps to serve not only in creating the visual effect, but also for filling the tanks during setup<\/strong>. PrusaLab also developed the firmware and pump sequence logic<\/strong> tailored to the unique needs of the installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Structure Built to Last \u2013 and to Travel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The supporting frame structure<\/strong> was designed with durability and stability in mind, to withstand weather conditions and potential acts of vandalism<\/strong>. It consists of aluminum alloy (dural) segments<\/strong> that connect the three vertical levels of the installation and anchor them to a\u00a0steel base<\/strong>. The base is made of three arms<\/strong>, each weighted at the ends to ensure overall stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The design of the structure<\/strong> was conceived by the artist himself, while the technical execution<\/strong> was handled at PrusaLab. A\u00a0professional structural engineer<\/strong> then reviewed the design, verifying its rigidity and calculating the necessary ballast weight<\/strong> for each of the three legs.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\u201cSignal Calling creates space for works that use technology and interactive elements to push the boundaries of traditional art perception and invite visitors to become part of the artistic experience,\u201d<\/em> said Martin Po\u0161ta, Director of Signal Festival.<\/span><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

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Challenges<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The greatest challenge of the project was ensuring the system’s watertight integrity<\/strong>. Initially, we used 3D-printed components<\/strong> \u2013 specifically the top and bottom caps<\/strong> of the cylinders intended to safely seal the liquid inside. Despite extensive experimentation with 3D print settings and the use of fillers, primers, two-part and UV-reactive resins, we were unable to achieve the required level of waterproofing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the end, the 3D-printed parts were used only as prototypes<\/strong> to verify dimensions and geometry. The final components<\/strong> were manufactured using CNC milling<\/strong> from PVC sheets<\/strong>, which provided better precision and greater resistance to pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To ensure perfect sealing, we added custom-made silicone gaskets<\/strong> into grooves where the inner and outer cylinders meet. These gaskets were cast using 3D-printed molds<\/strong>, once again combining additive and subtractive methods to achieve a reliable result.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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Photo: PrusaLab<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Photo: Signal Festival \u2013 Slav\u00edk, PrusaLab<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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Impact and Presence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The installation stands 7 meters tall<\/strong>, weighs half a\u00a0ton<\/strong>, and contains 108 liters of Spektraflux<\/strong>. It was in operation for a\u00a0total of 20 hours<\/strong> over four festival evenings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Audire Fluctus<\/em> attracted considerable attention, with 43 media mentions<\/strong> reaching nearly 240,000 people<\/strong>. Most importantly, it was experienced by the estimated 500,000 visitors<\/strong> of Signal Festival<\/strong>, placing the event among the largest cultural happenings in the Czech Republic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But as is often the case with art installations, it\u2019s difficult to measure their true \u201cperformance\u201d with hard data alone. Something else is required. Throughout the festival, it was fascinating to observe how long people stayed by the piece, the expressions on their faces, and the conversations it sparked. And overwhelmingly, the reactions were positive<\/strong> \u2013 curious, delighted, and often filled with wonder.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Kry\u0161tof Br\u016fha: An Artist Between the Worlds of Physics and Imagination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kry\u0161tof Br\u016fha<\/strong>, a\u00a0Czech artist and experimental creator, explores the relationship between humans and the invisible phenomena<\/strong> that surround us. His work Audire Fluctus<\/em> is a\u00a0perfect example of his artistic approach: transforming unseen physical forces into captivating objects<\/strong> that inspire reflection and invite us to reconsider the world around us<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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Photo: Kry\u0161tof Br\u016fha<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\u201cI wanted to give festival visitors a\u00a0glimpse into the hidden world of electromagnetic waves \u2013 and help them better understand how technology shapes our environment and our perception of reality,\u201d<\/em> says Br\u016fha.<\/span><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"featured_media":34175,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"ub_ctt_via":""},"categories":[82,149,79,150,151],"tags":[],"portfolio":[],"class_list":["post-35740","portfolio","type-portfolio","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-case-studies","category-open-call","category-pripadove-studie","category-signal-calling-2","category-signal-festival-2","infinite-scroll-item","resize-featured-image"],"yoast_head":"\n