What is a Lightscape?
by Philip A. Metzidakis

Caterina Bertolotto has combined the effects of a hologram and a kaleidoscope in a new technique that allows the projection of evolving shapes and patterns in three dimensions. Unlike a hologram, the system uses only standard projected light. Unlike a kaleidoscope, the images do not rely on mirrors for their absorbing intricacy, nor are they the result of a random process. Each lightscape is designed specifically for this system and is a unique piece of art.

Unlike all other projection systems, Ms. Bertolotto’s does not rely on producing an illusion of three dimensions—it produces an actual three-dimensional projection. Multi-color stars hang in space; moving both in relation to each other and to the observer. Lines animate into complex three-dimensional ellipsoid shapes and then become lines again. Solid forms evolve simultaneously and differently on each axis. The observer’s Euclidean assumptions about space are forgotten. Images bend, stretch, disappear and reappear; yet their underlying forms are never lost.

Perhaps most astonishing of all is that in reflection we realize that we feel no anxiety in losing our geometrical orientation: no frustration in not being able to fathom the changing figures hanging in air. We are much too enraptured by the magic in front of us to worry about the design and structure of Ms. Bertolotto’s invention.

Ms. Bertolotto conceived of her system after many years of experimentation with projected light in New York and Torino (Italy). It has been utilized in dance and theater productions, but has been designed as a light sculpture for installation in galleries, museums, and homes. Although theater installations have been as large as ten feet high, twenty-five feet wide, and six and a half feet deep, units can be built on any scale to fit any space.

“…you are unlikely to forget such sights as the face of Simba's dead father forming itself into an astral mask among the stars”
from THE NEW YORK TIMES
November 14, 1997

“…I really liked when Mufasa's face came out of the stars like it was in 3-D. It popped out of the whole theater.”
child interviewed for THE DAILY NEWS
November 14, 1997

“Watch for the highlight—you won't miss it—when Simba sees the image of his father in the reflecting pool. Just watch it and thrill and wonder. For me, it was like the stab of pleasure/pain felt when I first went to the theater as a child, saw the lights and, somehow tear-stained, knew I was hooked for life.”
from BACK STAGE
November 14, 1997

“…the combinatorial idea of this trimedia pieces was inspired. Bertolotto’s images were thick, all-over textures”
Kyle Gann—THE VILLAGE VOICE
May 17, 1988

“The eloquent lighting design, with its ever-changing hues, was created by Caterina Bertolotto, who is credited as —lightscape artist—”
Alvin Klein—THE NEW YORK TIMES
May 10, 1987

“…the wonderful visual effects encompassed by the lighting of Caterina Bertolotto…”
Clive Barnes—THE NEW YORK POST
May 8, 1987

“Mystic light sculptures by Caterina Bertolotto find their perfect gallery…”
David Wilson—FAIRFIELD COUNTY ADVOCATE
May 4, 1987


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