Penrose wall debuted at Burning Man
Infinitely generated light patterns will help illuminate downtown Sacramento thanks to the temporary installation of the “Penrose Tile LED Wall” at 731 K Street, a short distance from the Golden One Center.
The LED wall is being installed in early February and is expected to be in place for at least three months thanks to funding from the Downtown Sacramento Partnership.
Join the launch party Feb. 4 at the Russ Room above Solomon’s Deli.
Created by Folsom Artist Chuck Sommerville, the 18’ by 12’ wall was first displayed by Burning Man 2022. The 900 cells utilize the non-repeating tile design created by Sir Roger Penrose.
Professionally, Chuck’s work has contributed to New York’s Time Square Ball and locations around the world. Closer to home, Chuck’s “Eye of Providence” 8-foot LED sphere has been displayed at Sacramento Valley Spark’s drive-thru events and at Burning Man.
Penrose generates infinitely changing patterns using just two types of tiles. Patterns are created through a custom program using numbers provided by a random number generator. The LED pattern can also be impacted by interactive tambourines (used on special occasions) and is believed to be triggered by “the beam.”
Learn more about Penrose tiling there or here.
The installation is an early step in Sacramento Valley Spark’s mission to inspire local artists in part by sharing more art created for Burning Man. The installation also works towards the Downtown Sacramento Partnership’s aim to bring more vibrancy to the downtown through many tools including the installation of art.
Photo by Dave Otsubo. Pictured is Brandon Martinez at Sacramento Valley Spark’s 2022 “Afterglow.”