Glow in the Dark

Glow in the Dark is an interactive light artwork by Geert Mul, specially designed for the new fire station on Marsweg in Zwolle. The installation uses a thermographic camera that detects heat sources in the surrounding area. These thermal readings are projected in real time above the building’s main entrance, making it stand out even more when viewed from the street.

Both the technology and the visual language of the artwork align seamlessly with the world of firefighting. Thermographic cameras are used by firefighters to detect heat sources hidden behind walls or beneath roofs. By translating this principle into an artwork, a visual bridge is created between the daily practice of emergency services and the public space.

Glow in the Dark is not only a tribute to firefighting technology but also a playful way to make passersby aware of the invisible energy and movement in their surroundings. The artwork was coordinated and produced by Mothership in 2007 and once again demonstrates Geert Mul’s ability to merge art, data, and technology in a poetic way.