Prismatic Self

Lead Designers Anthony Girgis, Dr. Armaghan Ahmadi

Entry Description

Prismatic Self is a light installation that transforms reflection into a space of dialogue between human presence and the living world. The work unfolds through a cycle of light scenarios, beginning with the rain of creation. Blue lights descend like falling drops, followed by green lights that rise upward, evoking growth, forests, and the pulse of life on Earth. As colors evolve and intertwine, nature gives way to the geometry of civilization. The vertical columns, once symbols of trees, now stand as man-made structures, embodying progress and confusion.

Within this mirrored landscape, the viewer becomes part of the installation. Every reflection creates a new self, fragmented, multiplied, and uncertain. The mirrors blur the border between reality and illusion, urging each observer to face the question: Am I the observer or the reflected image?

In the final act, the calm dissolves into fire, recalling the chaos and destruction caused by human hands. Yet as the rain returns and light softens, nature reclaims the space. The cycle begins anew, reminding us that humanity is not separate from its reflections, but forever shaped by them — a prismatic self being within an ever-changing world.

Sustainability Approach

Prismatic Self embodies sustainability both in concept and practice. The installation’s narrative follows the natural cycle of creation, destruction, and renewal, reflecting humanity’s fragile connection with the environment. Its modular structure is made of recyclable aluminum and energy-efficient LED lighting, minimizing material waste and energy consumption. The lighting system operates in programmed loops, echoing the regenerative rhythm of nature. Beyond materials, the work invites viewers to reconsider their personal impact, transforming awareness into an emotional experience. Sustainability here is not only a technical goal but a moral reflection, a call to preserve the balance between human progress and the living Earth.