Disappearing act

Shown during NUIT BLANCHE 2010, Toronto. 2010

A spider web design covers the entire surface of the wall. Painted with iridescent but otherwise colourless acrylic paint, the design can only be perceived because of the different way its surface reflects the ambient light. Three bars of text lie across this hypnotic design: the words on each line combine to read Pay no attention. Alternatively, only the words Pay and attention appear. The effect is produced using paint that is virtually “invisible” under natural light but vividly coloured under ultraviolet light. Lighting is programmed electronically.