At the anniversary XXX International Exhibition of Architecture and Design ARCH MOSCOW 2025, a unique art object "OBJECT 0" was presented in the Gallery area of Praktikum. A-Class Houses project. An unusual glowing cube, attracting attention in the dark space of the exhibition area, appeared thanks to the collaboration of sculptor and architect Peter Zaytsev and the QPRO team.
OBJECT 0 is a presence without name or form. It is not explained, does not lend itself to interpretation, and does not seek to be understood. It simply is, as a reminder of the limits of human perception and that not everything in the world is meant to be revealed.
Idea
Behind every author's object and piece of art there is always an interesting story of the birth of an idea or the emergence of a creative concept. The idea to make something unusual came to Peter Zaytsev in 2024. He wanted to create an object that a person would look at and not understand what it was. The idea was based on a simple cubic shape filled with light and a kind of “milky” substance, in which black objects of complex bionic shapes would float chaotically, sometimes approaching the walls of the cube through this “milk” and light, sometimes moving away, and the viewer, in turn, would want to understand what it was, looking at the mysterious essence enclosed in the volume and trying to figure out how it was implemented. Presumably, this “something” could be frightening, because such a feeling can arise when you don't understand how something is done. At that time, the author did not yet know how and when this creative idea would be implemented. But a year later, the dream came true, and the idea came to life.
Technical solution
The QPRO team of specialists helped with the technical implementation of the art object. The search for a suitable technical solution for the embodiment of this creative object was determined by the fulfillment of certain tasks: it was necessary to create the required effect of volume and depth, convey the smoothness of movements and transformations of the black bionic form, create a visual imitation of the interaction of the object with the environment enclosed in the volume, and also veil the technical component. The idea has been realized with modern technologies, multimedia solutions, light effects and thanks to the joint work of a team of specialists from different fields.
The frame and base of the cube-shaped structure consist of LED screens with a very small pixel pitch (only 2 mm). The LED screens that define the sides of the cube are assembled with maximum precision and fixed in the desired position with magnetic fasteners, which allows the technical components to be hidden inside, leaving only smooth surfaces visible without any structural or technical elements. Visual content that broadcasts the movement and life of a mysterious entity in a “milky” volume was written for each side of the cube. The 3D effect is achieved thanks to the synchronization of the visual content of the planes. On the outside, the LED cube is enclosed in a matte plastic box, which is positioned at a certain equal distance from the screens on each side, thus blurring the pixels and creating an additional scattering effect, adding depth and softening the glow. The final adjustment of the visual content (adjustment of the speed of movements, brightness and depth of field adjustment) was carried out on the fully assembled product on the eve of the exhibition, thanks to which it was possible to achieve an ideal visual effect and realistic perception.
Contemporary art is diverse and multifaceted. It never ceases to amaze, as each object is a reflection of the author's idea.
“Modern technologies allow us to create unique art objects that can form a new environment and a special perception, immersing the viewer in a different reality. Technologies and gadgets surrounding us have become indispensable companions of man, but the possibilities of their application are much wider than it may seem at first glance. To make a step forward, to expand the horizons of perception or simply to look at the world from a different angle – such principles of approach bring us closer to the future we are building right now”, – Alexandra Ushakova, QPRO Creative Director.
Object characteristics:
size: 38x38x33 cm
digital screens
3-D media content
frosted plexiglass
Credits
Author: Sculptor and architect Peter Zaytsev
Technical implementation: QPRO – Lighting and intelligent solutions
Location: Moscow, Russia
Completion Date: May 2025
Photo: QPRO
