Affinity

Overview

Conditions that fall under the umbrella term 'dementia' are one of the most significant and growing healthcare challenges in New Zealand. According to Altzheimer's New Zealand, it's estimated that two out of every three Kiwis knows or has known someone with dementia and by 2050 the condition is forecast to triple to around 150,000 people.

Affinity is here to shine a light on the effects of Alzheimer's disease. Intended to depict the complexity and connectivity of the human brain, the interactive light sculpture will allow the public to step within a web of interconnected orbs representing neurons in the brain. When stimulated by touch, the orbs set-up a display of sound and light, representing the rapid-fire transmission of messages between neurons. The installation, created by Sydney-based artists Simone Chua and Renzo B. Larriviere, transitions through the night from an angelic white canvas to an ominous deep purple, representing Alzheimer's and its gradual and irreversible effects.

As you explore this large-scale installation, sounds and stories about dementia emanate from the orbs. These recordings have been taken from stage play The Keys are in the Margarine by Talking House Trust, in which actors relay word for word the real life experiences with dementia.