Commissioned by poet Sabrina Mahfouz for her solo show Dry Ice, So.. is a collaboration with designer Roland Ellis.

The sound reactive installation uses conversations as its primary stimulus. Each point of light is programmed with a distinct character; together, they form a dynamic canopy that reacts to the frequencies and amplitudes of the live performance.

Thirty tungsten lamps with intricate filaments are suspended above the performer. The arrangement pitches toward the audience forming a luminous ceiling, creating an intimate space where stories are told as if from beneath the sheets or within a private alcove.

A microphone captures the live audio, which is analyzed in real-time to drive the canopy’s illuminating reactions. This analytical software is modulated live, allowing the poetry and light to unite as a single, cohesive performance.

The natural, smooth dimming of the tungsten filaments complements the installation’s classic aesthetic. The canopy features a variety of glass forms, from traditional bulbs to large spheres and tubes, each housing an intricate, glowing filament. Even when extinguished, the glass remains an active part of the piece, catching and speckling reflections from the surrounding environment.