Tesla is a lighting installation created as homage to electrical pioneer and ‘father of modern technology’ – Nikola Tesla. It was produced as a collaboration between ambience and graphic artist Duro Cubrilo.
![$img['alt']](https://www.ambiencelighting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/ambience_tesla_1_hero.jpg)
![$img['alt']](https://www.ambiencelighting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/ambience_tesla_2.jpg)
This was a real labour of love done over many months with the concept execution being a complex task for what in essence is a very simple technique. Built using 759 energy efficient LED globes mounted to a grid, various mask diameters were perfectly measured around the curve of each globe – allowing exact light levels to escape at different sizes. When viewed as a collective the dots recreate an iconic image of Nikola Tesla.
![$img['alt']](https://www.ambiencelighting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/ambience_tesla_4.jpg)
The concept behind the use of ‘traditional’ shaped globes that are often associated with Edison is a reference to the infamous rivalry between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla; with Tesla being largely unrecognised for a number of his groundbreaking and thoroughly awesome achievements while Edison (often unfairly) got much kudos. Tesla is designed to be engaged with by the viewer when both illuminated and dormant.
![$img['alt']](https://www.ambiencelighting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/tesla_ambience_on_off1.gif)
![$img['alt']](https://www.ambiencelighting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/ambience_tesla_7.jpg)
![$img['alt']](https://www.ambiencelighting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/ambience_tesla_5.jpg)
Photography: Ben Glezer
Electrical: Matt Watson & team from MPW
Thanks to master painter Stuart Adcock for his painting prowess.