A gigantic installation work by Tomás Saraceno, “In orbit,” was assembled this June in the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen in Germany. It is a suspended construction of steel sheet nets, in three levels under the glass dome and it consists of more the 2,500 square meters of mesh structure and half dozen spheres –air-filled balls of up to 8.5 meters in diameter. Visitors can enter the transparent installation and move freely in all three levels between the balls.

The whole installation looks like a surreal landscape, resembling a sea of clouds. The space is organized as a swinging network of relationships, resonances and synchronous communication. If it is entered by more than one person, the installation is set in motion and the tension of the steel cables changes. If the activities of the users are coordinated, the installation provides unique perception of the space, like from a spider web, due to vibration.

Saraceno here speaks of a new hybrid form of communication. In his own words, to describe the work would mean to describe the people who use it and their emotions, therefore there are two types of users – active ones and the others who explore the installation visually. At that point, they are confronted with the issues of flying, falling and floating. This work of art directly involves people into adventure, followed by strong emotions of fear and desire.

The project was thoughtfully designed over past three years, in collaboration with engineers, architects and biologists; therefore it is the most elaborate installation by the artist.