World renown artist Panamarenko lifts off with Martin lighting

Exhibited widely in Europe, Japan and the U.S., Panamarenko, whose works are immediately recognizable and highly distinctive, has become one of the most famous contemporary artists in the world.

Obsessed with flight, Panamarenko, who calls himself an artist-technologist, produces works that are a cross between art and science. Intriguing, artistic and uniquely beautiful, his creations contain real working motors and mechanical parts.

Belgium’s Museum of Contemporary Art (S.M.A.K.) in Ghent invited Panamarenko for a three-month retrospective exhibition of his most impressive works, an occasion inaugurated with a one-time show entitled Panamarenko by Night which took place on March 23.

Martin’s Belgian distributor EVDV proposed giving Panamarenko’s work an additional touch of dynamism for the show. EVDV’s architectural lighting specialist Duncan Verstraeten took the opportunity to incorporate Martin effect lighting into this rather unusual environment. He contacted lighting specialist Lode van Pee of City-Lights who worked out a complete light-scenario to "guide" visitors through each piece of art.

Twenty of Martin Professional’s new Atomic 3000 strobes debuted at the one night show. Other Martin lighting effects included nine Exterior 600s, two MAC 300s and 13 CX-4 color changers (some with custom-made wash lenses) along with a MAC 2000 profile spot. The light show was programmed on a Martin LightJockey and replayed by a DMX recorder. A Jem 6500 heavy fog machine created an even more surrealistic atmosphere. City-Lights installed all lighting.

The public walked over a specially constructed 130-meter long by 5-meter high walkway in order to view the illuminated masterpieces. Three of those pieces are so huge that they were installed in an adjacent hall to the museum. The exposed works are the "Ferro Lusto," an impression of a UFO; the Nova Zembla submarine; and the impressive Scotch Gambit. Lights were installed inside some of the artwork to obtain a dramatic "live" feeling, which created an impression as if some of the objects would lift off. The 17-minute show incorporated the full array of effects from the Martin equipment in a way never seen before.

Duncan programmed the 20 Atomic strobes to work in perfect synchronization from a simple flash to an incredible white blinding effect. Care was taken not to blind the audience by any of the lights although this seemed impossible with the Atomic strobes.

Opening night saw a vast number of architectural clients, as well as a host of dignitaries who were treated to additional light enhancement projects at the town harbor, an amusement park and three industrial sites. In the end, the curator of the museum, Jan Hoet Sr. was very pleased.

It doesn´t matter that Panamarenko´s machines will never take flight. The wonder of his objects is that he is convinced that they could actually work if put to use. The fact that this artist-engineer has created them at all is a testament to his obsessive dreams.