Arts lovers can immerse themselves in light and sound at the National Film and Sound Archive’s new exhibition.

Constellations unifies the relationship between sound, light and space.

CD got a sneak peek of the exhibition the day before it opened.

While the music was very techno and jarring, I actually found it quite relaxing to listen to – as well as mesmerising.

Anyone visiting the exhibition can choose to stand or sit as there are benches and beanbags peppered throughout the gallery space.

The display is on a loop, meaning you can walk in and out whenever you feel like it.

Constellations brings together stunning visual and audio elements, featuring laser beams that pulse with energy harmonising with the electricity that powers them.

The work explores the potential for symmetry and patterned interaction between the beams, the targets and the immersive sound world.

The Canberra version features a grid of 60 small crystal balls suspended from the ceiling.

But be warned, this work contains strobing laser effects and theatrical haze.

The internationally recognised Australian audiovisual artist behind it is Canberra-born Robin Fox.

“The work you’re going to see tonight, Constellations, has had a few iterations before, but each one gets bigger and better, so this is the biggest and the best one so far, of course,” he said at the launch.

Fox said the idea started when he was in a two-dollar shop in regional Victoria where he spotted a little cut-glass crystal ball.

“I thought ‘I could shoot a laser through that’,” he said.

“So, I took it back to the town hall and I put it up on a lighting pole and I just shot a white beam of light at it.

“And, of course, it hit the crystal ball and just exploded into this, you know, festival of colour.

“It’s the same moment you have as a kid when you see fireworks for the first time, or I remember as a young person somebody explaining to me when you look through a telescope at the stars, you’re actually travelling through time – like, that’s completely insane.”

Constellations is open from 27 February to 4 May 2025 in the Gallery at the NFSA Acton.

You can learn more about the artwork and Fox at nfsa.gov.au/events-experiences/constellations

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