HELIOTROPE & HELIOS (RING), 2019–2025

Kinetic installation and light object in two parts: Heliotrope and Helios

Dimensions: 280 × 280 cm

Materials: motors, aluminium Dibond panels, brake cables

 

Heliotrope is a kinetic installation inspired by heliotropism: the ability of plants to turn their leaves and flowers towards the sun. The work starts from principles such as energy, tropism and the microscopic movements that underlie living systems, as well as the pulsating rhythms characteristic of natural processes.

 

These starting points have been translated into a mechanically driven mirror installation. Moving blades direct, refract and reflect light, so that the surroundings are reflected back fragmented and distorted. The installation explores similarities between mechanical and organic movement and blurs the dividing line between the constructed and the living.

 

Through its continuous movement and changing light conditions, the work evokes a cycle of day and night. Heliotrope thus functions as an autonomous system in perpetual motion, without a clear beginning or end.

 

Heliotrope was originally developed as part of The Chapel for Draaimolen Festival in 2019. In 2025 the work was given a new adaptation under the title Helios: a kinetic ring of 36 individually controlled mirrors that together generate a fluid, wave-like movement.

 

Concept and design: Heleen Blanken

Design and engineering: Daniel de Bruin

Photos taken at the Barbican Centre by Nick Bourdeaux