What do you think of when you hear the word “lustre”? For most people, it would probably be something shiny or glamorous, perhaps a chandelier or a fancy piece of jewelry. But for French designer Constance Guisset, lustre (French for “luster” or “shine”) takes on a whole new meaning. Her creation, the Lustre Vertigo, is an exploration of the interplay between light, motion, and perception.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Lustre Vertigo and how it showcases Guisset’s unique approach to design. We’ll delve into the history and inspiration behind the piece, the technical aspects of its construction, and how it has been received by the art and design communities.

The History and Inspiration behind Lustre Vertigo

Constance Guisset is an innovative French designer who has made a name for herself with her playful, imaginative approach to design. Her Lustre Vertigo is a perfect example of her artistic vision, but where did the inspiration for this piece come from?

The answer lies in a trip Guisset took to Tokyo, where she was struck by the city’s colors, textures, and visual vibrancy. In particular, she was inspired by the Yosegi-Zaiku technique of woodworking, where intricate patterns are carved into wooden boxes and puzzles. She was also drawn to the idea of play and interaction – how can we engage with objects in new and exciting ways?

Guisset took these inspirations and combined them with her own fascination with light and motion. She designed Lustre Vertigo to replicate the sensation of falling, spinning, and hovering through space. When the piece is lit up, it looks like a three-dimensional network of glowing strings, suspended in midair.

The Technical Aspects of Lustre Vertigo

Lustre Vertigo may look like a simple string installation, but the truth is much more complex. The piece is made up of over 600 meters of thin, white cord, carefully woven together to create a delicate, almost weightless structure. This web is then wrapped around an LED bulb, which illuminates the cords from within.

One of the most impressive things about Lustre Vertigo is how it responds to movement. As air circulates around the piece, the cords sway and the light patterns change. Guisset has compared the piece to a cloud or a flock of birds – ever-changing and impossible to predict.

The Reactions to Lustre Vertigo

Since its debut in 2010, Lustre Vertigo has received widespread acclaim from both the art and design communities. It has been featured in exhibitions around the world, including at the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Design Museum in London.

Critics have praised Lustre Vertigo for its playfulness, beauty, and technical ingenuity. Guisset’s creation offers a unique expression of how light and motion can combine to create art that engages and delights the senses.

Constance Guisset’s Lustre Vertigo is more than just a stunning piece of art – it’s a testament to the power of imagination and ingenuity. By combining her inspirations with her love of light and motion, Guisset has created a piece that reflects the beauty and complexity of the world around us.

Whether you see Lustre Vertigo as an ode to falling, a tribute to technology, or simply a dazzling light display, there’s no denying its impact. It may be made of delicate cords and a single bulb, but it has the power to make us see the world in a whole new way.