PRISMA 1666

Inspired by experiments conducted by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666, two modern-day studios have joined forces to study optics and colour theory.

Shanghai-based Super Nature Design and Hong Kong-based Wonwei have created PRISMA 1666, an interactive light installation as an artistic tribute.

Using a glass prism, Newton deconstructed a white beam of light through a prism, resulting in a full colour spectrum. He thus discovered that white light is an amalgamation of different wavelengths of colour.

PRISMA 1666 is made of 15 transparent triangular blocks on a white surface. As colourful graphics are projected onto these blocks, they disperse light. The diffusion of the colours can be controlled by changing the light frequencies, which audience members can adjust via remote control.

‘Through this installation, we intend to encourage people to discover the beauty and joy of understanding this interesting phenomenon of nature, just like the way Newton did centuries ago,’ the designers say.