Extraordinary interactive thunderstorm takes over Philadelphia gallery

There are some that cower under their bedsheets the moment a flash of lighting is perceived. Then there are those (my imagination relies on this being true, so please leave it untarnished by “facts” who grasp the nettle bare-handed, heading out into electrical storms fully dressed in medieval battle attire, heroically bidding to investigate a fascination with nature’s great electric zapper first hand. Had they been aware of Patrick Gallagher and Chris Klapper’s interactive thunderstorm project – Symphony in D Minor, perhaps we could have saved them some trouble.

The interactive sound and video installation dramatically recreates a thunderstorm within sculptures hanging 40 feet from the ceiling. In their dormant state, the sculptures display raindrops and slow moving, ominous clouds. Once the sensors detect movement, things begin to intensify and different visual elements of the storm are displayed. All is peaceful until the viewer triggers a barrage of noise simply by touch, sending the cylindrical sculptures depicting rain and electrical charges swinging through the air.

The piece is on display at Philadelphia’s Skybox Gallery at 2424 Studios until December 2.