Dezeen Magazine

1:8 and 1:10 lights by Ed Swan

Designer Ed Swan has sent in images of some pendant lights that work on a similar principle to camera obscuras.

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Called 1:8 and 1:10, the lights were premiered earlier this year and were exhibited during May and June at the Design Museum in London, where these photos were taken.

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Here is some info from Swan:

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“1:8" & “1:10" pendant lighting

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Inspired by an interest in camera obscuras, ancient image-making devices, London-based designer Ed Swan utilises these optical principals with an innovative use of materials to produce illusionary projections.

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Swan’s new 1:10 and 1:8 pendant lights require close inspection. The configuration of 8 or 10 lenses around one light source, a standard incandescent light bulb, projects images on the outer light shade, giving the work seemingly complex results. The multiple light bulb images are transmitted inversely onto the alluring black satin or opal white acrylic surface, blurring the distinction between interior and exterior.

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Swan’s work has been presented by Ron Arad and more recently OKAY Studio as part of exhibitions in London, Milan, Cologne, and Berlin. In 2005 his work gained interest from E&Y, Japan and consequently was installed in Tom Dixon’s first architectural adventure, the Tokyo Hipster’s Club.

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This new lighting demonstrates a keen interest in material exploration and controlled viewpoints through illusionary effects and simple technologies.

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