Panoramic View of the Performance
Panoramic Image (Low Resolution)
Fullscreen QTVR ~1.5MB


View of the Performance and Installation

Closeup view of the electrodes, accupunture needles, and sensors.

Ghost Lightning provides a shadowy glimpse into the life giving and taking power of light, energy, and the pathways that conduct them. Within both earth and body, thousands of electrical impulses are fired every moment to maintain a kind of equilibrium. The impulses range from the most dramatic—lightning--to some of the most subtle, invisible and enigmatic flows of energy within the body. Each exchange of energy rebalances the system and shapes everything around it. Remaining behind after these brief bursts of energy are ghostly reminders of what came before. Within the installation and performance we enter a space where the electrical system of the earth meets the body and the residual energy of the past meets the present.

Inside the Installation:
The central focus involves a connection between the electrical system of the earth and the electrical system of the body. As each system strives to achieve a delicate balance of energy, the activity is monitored and captured in realtime. As lightning strikes are detected by the National Lightning Detection Network, muscles in Cooper’s body are subtly stimulated via a series of TENS (Transcontaneous Electro Neuro Stimulators). Capturing the combined activity of the earth and body are a secondary set of sensors attached to acupuncture needles inserted in the body. These sensors reveal the invisible flow of energy within Cooper’s body and the simultaneous echoing of lightning as it pulses through his system. Falling from above are small bursts of rain released with each lightning strike. As the pattern of lightning moves across the landscape, a corresponding pattern of rain falls within the gallery. In the background, we hear the voices and sounds of others’ interpretation of the ghostly residual energy experienced by all of us, whether it involves deja-vu, past life experiences, hidden memories from the past, or mysterious connections.

Performance Length:
Approx. 10 minutes

More about the NLDN and technology:
The realtime lightning detection system from the National Lightning Detection Network.

Special thanks to the Lisa Sette Gallery:
Contact Lisa Sette Gallery at...
4142 N Marshall Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480 · 990 · 7342
sette@lisasettegallery.com