Allium is an interactive light-art sculpture inspired by allium flowers.
In the “language of flowers”, alliums represent prosperity and unity through togetherness. Through this lens we invite participants to imagine how we might prosper in the future, by engaging in collective action.
Hundreds of small flowers come together to create a larger-than-life 9-foot-tall flower cluster. Yellow glowing stems extend outward in every direction from a central geodesic form. At the end of each stem is an illuminated flower. The cluster glitters as points of light twinkle across the surface at the center of each flower. The flowers gently sway in the wind, creating additional organic animations. Two interaction points with hand-pads stand on opposite sides of the sculpture.
Participants will be able to gather around the sculpture to reflect on the concepts of unity, prosperity and new beginnings. When enough participants gather and join hands they can activate both touch pads on either side of the sculpture. This activation triggers a hypnotizing light-show to ripple across the surface of the sculpture.
Often given to those beginning something new, alliums symbolize luck, prosperity and perseverance. Composed of multiple blossoms in a single cluster, they also symbolize unity. We want to believe in a future that is prosperous through community and togetherness. We believe this is only possible through patience, perseverance and openness to new perspectives.
Exhibitions
Allium was on display in Worcester, MA as part of the Worcester Festival of Lights from December 2025 through February 2026.
Allium was designed, engineered and fabricated by Rachel Ciavarella and Jack Kalish. It features a modular geodesic design with 480 spatially mapped LEDs driven by TouchDesigner. Rachel lead all physical design, engineering and fabrication. From creating artistic renderings in Blender to engineered parts for CNC and 3D printed fabrication in Fusion to modeling pixel mapping in Rhino for export to TouchDesigner.
