Syphon Tripper: Aether was a student-run art show in Savannah, GA primarily focussed on showcasing projection mapping art, with built instillations and live musical performances also adding another dimension to the event. For the event, we were given the doorway of the house to make an installation with no other instruction and a very limited budget.

We initially discussed that we wanted the facade to hone in on the theme of the event, Aether, which is the idea of a region beyond Earth and the known universe, a gate to whatever (or wherever) comes next. We came up with the idea that this door would act as a portal to Aether, and what it looks like when Aether and Earth meet.

My main fabrication work was to create the illusion that pieces of the door and window casing were glitching with an other-worldly plasma seeping through the cracks. This was mainly done with pink foam, UV acrylic paint and a more unconventional method of eroding foam using nail polish (seen below).

Additionally, I helped Jennifer turn the alien letters she designed into reality by using my experience in laser cutting. Kylie Krafczyk then UV painted the chipboard cutouts.

The whole event brought droves of guests to see student work and was featured on SCAD District’s instagram. This project taught me that when a group has a shared vision, tangible goals, and is excited to see it all come together, the sky’ (and aether’s) the limit.