Astral Projections

Before I discovered light shows I worked (and continue to work) in the motion picture industry. I was always fascinated with the medium of light and sound and wanted to find a way to explore that outside of film.

In late 2016 I went out to my first rave - called Whirl-y-gig, in London, which has been going for over 30 years. It was a completely transformative night for many reasons, but it was there that I became fascinated with the projections and patterns they were using on the parachutes that adorned the room - I wanted to learn more.

The next day, after searching online I came across the types of lights whirl-y-gig used, and then further discovered the art of psychedelic light shows. Watching videos from the Joshua Light Show and various other iconic artists was truly inspiring, and I got lost for hours wondering how they did it, and how I could learn myself.

Trying to source an overhead projector however proved difficult, so throughout 2017 I experimented with digital projection and small lumia experiments using various objects - reflective materials such as sequins, paired with lasers and bent glass or plastic, to create space-like and aurora borealis type projections.

In 2018, I finally acquired an overhead projector, and after saving up, bought my first Solar light from Optikinetics. I visited numerous bric-a-brac stores around London and, after persuading the often-perplexed shop owners, bought various sizes of clock glass out of old clocks.

I began experimenting with an overhead projector in my living room, using water-based food colouring and oil-based candy and candle dyes. And thus, in late 2018 - Astral Projections was formed.

My first desire as a light show artist was to create imagery that was reflective of the stars and universe so ‘Astral Projections’ seemed to be the ideal name.

My earliest influences in the field were the ‘Joshua Light Show’ and ‘Ed’s Amazing Liquid Light Show’, available on the internet. I spent a lot of my time watching as many videos as I could.

Steve Pavlovsky of Liquid Light Lab has also been a huge inspiration and I have benefitted greatly from his tutorials and studio tours.

The most valuable resource as a new light show, has been the Facebook group ‘The Psychedelic Light Show Preservation Society’. This is where current and past light show artists share valuable tips and tricks with one another. It has been fascinating getting to know and learn from the icons of this art.

This is where I was pointed in the direction of ‘Lucy Lation Lights’ - a UK Based light show ran by Jay Legge. I have since met and worked with Jay at several light shows, and I would count him as both a mentor and friend.

We have collaborated at two raves in London called, ‘Wonderland’ and ‘Rumpus’ during summer 2019.

The Astral Projections team has worked with some fantastic musicians, including: Anteros, IIRIS, The Night Time Sugar Thrills, The Black Doldrums and Shattercones. We have also done a hybrid mix of Lumia and digital projection recently for Lotto Boyzz and Dappy.

Astral Projections have also completed two artist residencies at The Depot, Clapton, and at Jacksons Lane Performing Arts in Highgate. For both of these residencies I co-created and directed performances alongside Florencia Nannetti entitled ‘Polethlene Dreamland’ - an abstract narration on plastic waste with aerial performance and light show combined.

Astral Projections have also performed at various other events in and around London including colourful themed weddings, live poetry, secret raves, film wrap parties and even psychedelic drag!

Astral Projections first show consisted of one OHP, 1 Solar 100 LED and 1 Solar 250.

Now, Astral Projections has grown to 2 Overhead projectors, 6 Optikinetics Solars (5x Solar 250’s and 1x LED Solar 100) one vintage Norris slide projector, and one carousel slide projector. In the future, we want to bring in digital elements to make the show more flexible.

The show is based in the heart of London, Shoreditch, and currently consists of Light show artist and founder Sophie Kenny, and light assistant and artist Bex Sutton.

Goals for the future would ideally be forming a solid working relationship with specific bands and taking the show to new festivals. I would also like to continue bringing the show to more galleries and Art residencies, and form more artistic collaborations and concepts; having the valuable space as an artist to experiment, devise and perform to others is invaluable.

Liquid light shows have a timeless, ever evolving style to them and I feel I’ll forever be learning and experimenting for the rest of my life in the medium.

Astral Projections provides a stunning light show experience, it transports audiences into an astral world of slowly swirling magisterial beauty - watch us, wherever you are just for a moment and you’ll see.

Sophie Kenny - August 2020

Video Links

Polyethylene Dreamland trailer - https://vimeo.com/329939595

A recent Practice session - https://vimeo.com/452354570

Astral Projections Logo Video - https://vimeo.com/423585176

Polyethelene Dreamland full performance at The Depot residency - https://vimeo.com/330045252

Polyethelene Dreamland full performance at Jacksons Lane residency - https://vimeo.com/353760581

Click for bigger images !!

Credit - Lex Flemington Photography (All Rights Reserved) https://www.flemingphoto.co.uk

Credit - Lex Flemington Photography (All Rights Reserved) https://www.flemingphoto.co.uk

Credit - Lex Flemington Photography (All Rights Reserved) https://www.flemingphoto.co.uk