Spectral Pool

 Through precise material interactions Spectral Pools is in a constant state of image generation—facilitating a chance encounter unique to each viewer—it’s imagery slowly transforming with their movement around the work. Spectral Pools employs a curved moulded acrylic surface covered in a diffraction grating film with a simple white LED batten mounted to the front. Diffraction grating is used in the sciences to spectra analyse objects by translating light into a spectrum of colours. For example, astronomers look at stars through diffraction gratings to analyse what elements or gases they are composed of by measuring the colour wavelengths of light they see.  Manning’s Spectral Pools reveals the imperceivable colours hidden inside the white light, while the unique curvature of the surface alters how the work catches and reflects these spectrums. This form acts like a parabolic dish—scooping up light to intensify and project its spectrum in an amplification process akin to a loudspeaker.