Messages from Space is an immersive installation where participants follow a story to reach a circular table surrounded by cosmic “eggs.” Each egg detects cosmic particles, responding with lights, whispers, and ASMR sounds, revealing mysterious “messages” from the universe.
Messages from Space is the evolution of my 2011 piece, Radiation Orchestra, which featured four radiation collectors triggering sounds and light in response to cosmic radiation. This concept has its roots in 2010 when I brought my first Radiation Collector to Burning Man, sparking a deeper exploration of how unseen cosmic forces can interact with our environment. In this new installation, the characters Flip, Crash, and Lavinia, —drawn from a puppet film I made in 2004 — guide participants on a cosmic journey. As they follow numbered panels, they uncover fragments of the story, leading them to a central table surrounded by “cosmic eggs.” Each egg, containing a radiation detector, responds to cosmic radiation, triggering random messages and an evolving soundscape. By blending science, storytelling, and interactivity, this piece invites participants to reflect on the invisible forces shaping our world.
Messages from Space offers a shared, real-time experience that brings people together in a protopian vision – an ever-improving world based on understanding the world around us. This installation reminds participants that science is a collaborative pursuit that benefits us all. Tomorrow, Today!
Team: Sophi Kravitz, Ollie Tanner, and friends TBD!