Iridescence Window Display

The Cooper Hewitt exhibition Iridescence was on display from July 28, 2018 to March 24, 2019. This exhibition dives into the meaning and uses of the term iridescence. Objects and forms from different time periods and geography are displayed showing the types of  ways iridescence can appear. Jewelry and pottery are the main categories of objects that have iridescent characteristics. Iridescence demonstrates how the color element has continued throughout time in design.

Cooper Hewitt educates, inspires, and empowers people through design. The exhibition Iridescence highlights objects that give the optical effect of rainbow-like colors that change from light. Visitors are overwhelmed with the colors in this exhibit, making it important to highlight this element. There is the most commonly known colors of iridescence in this window, for viewers to connect to the exhibit. The solution to creating a teaser window was to create a cave like environment that illuminated iridescent crystals. With the use of lighting and iridescent paper, colors illuminate. The mannequin is illuminated within, alongside crystals glowing around her body. Iridescence is displayed through the window using the highlighted elements the exhibit includes.

Learning about different materials was a very big part of the process. As the team began fabrication our first option for the rocks built was concrete, which we quickly learned was not the best solution. The rocks we formed were heavy and required a lot of materials. An alternative to this was to use spray foam to cover foam core and then paint over it. This also required a lot of the material. We finally learned out best option was to paper mache over the foam and chicken wire rocks. This was cost and time effective for the schedule. The mannequin was illuminated from the inside to highlight the acrylic gems descending down the body. Applying vinyl was a major component to focus the inside of the window. The overall process was a great learning experience regarding materials and prop setting.

MATERIALS INCLUDED:

Paper mache

Chicken wire

Foam core

Iridescent sheets

Acrylic gems

Acrylic paint

Hot glue

Spray foam insulation

This was a group project done in collaboration with Sam Chaudhri, Nicole Saade, and Laura Mickity.