This Mesmerizing Chandelier Was Inspired By Murmurating Starlings

In a perfect example of art imitating life—wildlife to be more precise—this gorgeous chandelier from designers Richard Harvey and Keivor John is inspired by the murmuration of starlings.

As you can see in the video above, the Murmuration Chandelier is a kinetic lighting sculpture that twists and turns in a way that’s reminiscent of the phenomena in which large groups of starlings fly together in an almost wave-like motion.

According to Vice, the designers explain of the piece: “When you look at a murmuration, the birds can seem randomly scattered across the sky—but then in a moment they align to make a beautiful shape and pattern. Like this, the chandelier fleets in and out from seeming disorder to precise spiralling patterns and shapes.”

The three-story sculpture contains 20 patinated stainless steel rings, each with its own counterweight to keep the piece consistently in balance. Starling-esque shapes appear as cut outs in each ring, and all align at a particular moment in the spiraling sequence. From below, the piece looks a bit like an animated spirograph.

The chandelier is even customizable, as every ring has its own controller and motor, and the entire sculpture can be manipulated by an App to alter the color, speed, and direction of motion.

See the sculpture in action above, and when you’re done, treat yourself to some viewings of the real thing. You won’t regret it.

Banner image via Vimeo.

[h/t The Kid Should See This]