Flambeau is a kinetic light sculpture operated by a solar-powered mechanism that produces colour sequences to interact with its surroundings. It is informed by Peter Sedgley’s extensive research on colour, in particular the theories of the German writer and philosopher, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) and the Swiss-German artist, Paul Klee (1879–1940).
Since the 1960s, Op artist Peter Sedgley has been producing luminous paintings of circles and optical explorations of light and kinetics. He began experimenting from 1967 with elements like video-rotors (painted disks programmed with patterns of light), and later, incorporated sound with his changing colors.
Talking specifically about the role of light in his work, Sedgley has commented:
My interest in the phenomena of light has widened to include the use of solar technique, enabling me to harness light energy for the activation of my kinetic structures, in this sense light plays a total role both illuminating and motivating the work.
