A Melbourne based writer who is a travel junkie, dedicated foodie and emerging photographer.
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Magical Mesmerising Maze
You would be forgiven for thinking of a children's toy when you hear the word 'kaleidoscope' - you know, a tube with mirrors and loose pieces of coloured glass inside at one end, which, when you turn the tube, displays an array of different patterns.
An artist's impression of Kaleidoscope Bendigo.
So how would it be if that children's toy was super-sized to become large enough for people to enter and walk around? Add to the visual display a symphony of sound and light and you have Kaleidoscope, the inspiration of leading installation artist Keith Courtney. Kaleidoscope is set to open in Bendigo on 1st April, and in Geelong on 13th May.
By day, the 700sqm Kaleidoscope is a sparkling crystal palace, and as the sun sets, the installation morphs into a colour field of ever-changing light.
Kaleidoscope at night - a colour field of ever-changing light. (Image credit: Sam Slicer.)
Kaleidoscope was developed in collaboration with visual artist Ash Keating, artist Samantha Slicer, and a team of skilled technicians. The soundscape was composed by composer/conductor/violinist Tamil Rogeon and features the Australian Boys Choir.
"Kaleidoscope contains internal mirrors, luminous glass, and translucent beads of colour. As the light shifts and the delicate tubular structure rotates, the space is transformed into an intergalactic playground," says Keith Courtney. "The visitor is completely submerged in sound and light where their experience is entirely personal."
This video will give you an idea of what to expect.
Kaleidoscope has already impressed visitors at Arts Centre Melbourne in 2022 for RISING, and is currently part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Bendigo will be the first regional Victorian city to host this installation.
Kaleidoscope - daylight colours. (Image credit: Sam Slicer.)
Kaleidoscope is suitable for all ages. Please allow approximately 30 minutes for your visit.
Kaleidoscope will be located at Rosalind Park, Bendigo, from 1-30 April 2023. Tickets are $15, with children 5 and under, and persons aged 75 and over, admitted free. Please note children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. You can find more information and purchase tickets here.
You can also visit Kaleidoscope in Johnstone Park, Geelong from 13th May to 18th June, with details to be released closer to the date.
