Artist Gets Green Light
11 Jul 2012
The art installation, which is on display at London’s Royal College of Art this week, explores the influence technology has had on society’s perception of time.
Using OLEDs (organic light emitting diodes) developed by Polyphotonix, Trujillo created a glowing green timer that displays the bomb’s 300 year countdown in seconds, in order to challenge our relationship with time.
Trujillo said, “200 years ago, people lit a candle when they returned from work and went to bed when it burned out, but technology now has a huge influence on we perceive time. If the bomb were found 100 years from now and safely stored for historical significance, by the time it exploded, the passage of time and use of electronics will have changed its nature from a threat to a spectacular display.”
The numbers in the display are specifically designed to require very low amounts of power and the energy efficiency and durability of OLEDs provided a unique way to create a countdown that could potentially last for a number of lifetimes.
Solid state devices composed of thin films of organic molecules, OLEDs light up on the application of electricity in a process called electro-phosphorescence.
Richard Kirk, Director of Polyphotonix said, “This is one of the first times OLED technology has been used in an art piece and provides excellent way of displaying how much brighter, thinner, lighter and energy efficient OLED technology is in comparison to more tradition LED and LCD displays”
OLEDs are predominantly used in small-screen devices such as mobile phones, PDAs and digital cameras, but with help from Enterprise Europe Network North East based at Centre for Process Innovation, Polyphotonix has recently accessed over £1M in project funding, including Technology Inspired Innovation and SBRI grants from Technology Strategy Board, in order to develop new OLED technology for more novel applications.
Richard Kirk said, “Not only has Enterprise Europe Network North East enabled us to continue to explore OLED technology for innovative areas such as architecture and automotive features, but, their support has allowed us to become one of the first companies in the UK to develop a platform process capability that will permit the high volume manufacture of commercial OLED’s at a low cost and hence, further grow our IP portfolio.”
The “300 Year Time Bomb”, featuring Polyphotonix technology, will be on display from the 21 June until 1 July at Show Battersea; Testbed 1, Howie Street, London Parkgate Road, SW11 4NP, as a part of the Royal College of Art’s Show RCA 2012 events. Admission is free. For more information please visit www.rca.ac.uk/show2012.
Contacts
Matthew Herbert, CPI, 01642 447 274 / 07795127628, matthew.herbert@uk-cpi.com
Notes
About Diego Trujillo
Born November 1, 1986, in Mexico City, Diego moved to London to obtain postgraduate education at the Royal College of Art, following the completion of a Biology BSc.
Diego possesses a multidisciplinary mind with deep interests, education and experience in science, technology, photography and design. These interests are reflected in work that deals with the human elements and paradoxes created by our interaction with technology, often giving artifacts a reason to exist. His work is presented on many mediums including photography, 3D visualisations, electronics and programming.
View More about Diego Trujillo
About Polyphotonix
Polyphotonix is pioneering the early adoption of organic light. Working with designers and key customers it is creating new products and supporting the design process right through to manufacture, whilst moving towards high volume production.
Polyphotonix believes that the first generation of products integrating organic light components can be designed within the parameters of current capabilities. Polyphotonix’ approach is to develop high value bespoke applications, by letting user requirements drive technological developments.
Organic lighting technology has already gained commercial acceptance. It is integrated in the manufacture of cameras and small television screens. Its highly seductive superior visual quality, improved colour rendering and pixel definition are rapidly winning public approval.
Architects and designers are excited not only because the technology is highly efficient but also because of its physical properties. Organic lights are flat, flexible, and remain cool while in operation. www.polyphotonix.com
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