Vision of the Invisible

We live in a series of ephemeral phenomena that happen and disappear all around us. However, the ephemerality may not be the object itself but the attention we afford it. Even though we are unaware of the invisible, it does not mean it does not exist. Through certain optics this secret occurrence can be revealed.

Inspired by the fact that birds detect polarised light and use it as a navigational cue, I set about creating a sculptural work that would expose the phenomenon of light usually invisible to the human eye. By placing specific materials between two polarising filters, their stress patterns become dramatically visible in a brightly coloured spectacle. Vision of the Invisible was created from scraps of plastic from the Central Saint Martins 3D workshop waste bins. I created it by continuously bending and heating the plastic material, subjecting it to increasing stress. The more stress the plastic endures, the more colour we see.

These dual screens are your two eyes and navigate you to multiple perspectives. Exposure to this new vision questions our conventional sensory perception and redefines what we can and cannot see in our everyday lives. Through the polarising filter, we find handprints of the past and a new perspective towards the future in transparent objects.

Notes from Curator 

Akane’s exploration through the use of polarising filters taps into an unseen beauty of light beams and spectrums, revealing aspects of nature that are typically hidden from the human eye. This act symbolises the deep connection between humans and the natural world—reminding us that there is more to nature than what is immediately visible. By unveiling these hidden aspects, Akane encourages viewers to reconsider their perception of the natural world, acknowledging the layers of complexity and beauty that exist beyond our usual sensory experiences.

Akane challenges viewers to see beyond the surface , questioning the sublime qualities within everyday objects. This exploration speaks to the idea that nature is not just something to be observed but something to be understood and appreciated on a deeper level. By finding wonder in these often-overlooked items, Akane invites us to reconnect with the natural world, inspiring a sense of awe and reverence for the subtle, often unnoticed elements that make up our environment.