Inverse Parasol

2005

Inverse Parasol investigates how light modulates social interaction. Inverse Parasol is a parasol which casts light instead of blocking it. Talking with people when you can’t see their face is awkward. On a moonless desert or forest night even friends take on the appearance of flat and unapproachable silhouettes. The canopy of Inverse Parasol creates a reflected pool of highly saturated light acting both as a beacon and setting for social communication.

Technical / Materials

Michael Ang Inverse Parasol underside lit

Michael Ang Inverse Parasol underside

  • Fabric parasol
  • LED lights and electronics
  • Rechargeable battery pack

Events

Light, Attraction and Emotion: Projects with Photons, Biology and Electrons (Artist Talk), Dorkbot San Francisco, San Franciso, California, USA, 2009

Michael Ang Inverse Parasol at Chillits - Photo by Jon RossPhoto by Jon Ross

Chillits, Willits, California, USA, 2009