Glassitorium designed and created this project to symbolize creativity and energy and connect with the community in a fun, lively interactive way. A cement drum encases a fully functioning kaleidoscope, one of the oldest science toys over 200 years old. As the kaleidoscope is turned, colorful glass appears to tumble via reflective mirrors but only the glass within close proximity to the mirrors gets reflected allowing viewers to see Norfolk in a whole new way. Multiple mirrors within the kaleidoscope create reflections of reflections and form the images we see. The viewer rotates the cementiscope via a manual crank. Colorful shape combinations are enhanced by integrated LED lights. Due to the randomness of the tumbling action, you never see the same set of images twice.
The Downtown Norfolk Council describes the project:
“This sculpture poured the foundation for the NEON District with light and reflection. The cement mixer is the housing and viewing tool as a direct reference to all of the new construction and renovations happening in the area. The internal kaleidoscope is the perfect device to mix and reconstruct reality in dazzling ways. Viewers interact with Cementiscope and are struck by the dichotomy of the concrete drum’s grounded heaviness and the kaleidoscope’s lightness, which is focused upward reflecting infinite possibilities.”
Virginia Pilot: The Plot thickens: Kaleidoscope meets cement mixer in Norfolk’s art district
