Apart from amazing music from artists like Childish Gambino, Ariana Grande, Kid Cudi and Khalid, Coachella is known for its stunning and Instagram-worthy art installations. SPECTRA, by NEWSUBSTANCE, is a stunning, seven-floor, rainbow structure that stands right in the center of the Coachella Valley Music and Art Festival. With this structure being so large and fascinating, it is featured in many people’s Instagrams and photos, and it is seen by over 250K people that attend Coachella each year.
NEWSUBSTANCE, a UK-based creative studio who imagine, design, build and perform for the global entertainment industry, first introduced this structure at Coachella in 2018 after they were chosen as one of the 6 artists asked to create a large scale art piece for the festival. With this opportunity, they have been the only British company to showcase art at Coachella in its entire history. After being such a hit at the festival, the SPECTRA structure was asked to stay on again for the 2019 Coachella Valley Music and Art Festival.
The installation, with a spiral design, amazing views of the entire festival and air-conditioning, was made for people to experience the festival and see things in a new light, while also allowing them to interpret their environment through color and light. I got the special opportunity to tour the structure and speak with Creative Director, Patrick O’Mahony. In an exclusive interview, here is what Patrick had to say:
Her Campus: How did you get the art installation out to Indio?
Patrick O’Mahony: We shipped it out from the UK in 9 shipping containers and built it on site here, which took approximately three and a half weeks. It was a big build in a short space of time.
HC: What was the inspiration behind the design?
PO: We came out for a site visit after the festival asked us to design something. We saw the amazing sunrise and sunset and wanted to encapsulate those colors, which is the thinking behind the different colors. People see the ferris wheel as iconic, and we wanted the audience to be part of the art piece as well as move up through the structure.
HC: How long is the art installation staying at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival?
PO: We are not sure exactly how long. Last year went very well, so the festival decided to keep it on.
HC: Did you have to rebuild the installation again this year?
PO: The festival bought it, so we leave it up all year round. It was a lot easier this year than last year.
HC: Do you have any other upcoming projects?
PO: We work all around the world. We have a show opening up in Canada around June, which will feature automatic scenic pieces. We also have a show on Broadway at the moment and are designing for lots of ceremonies and shows.
Be sure to check out this amazing structure at Coachella Week 2 to see the festival in any color and from a new perspective.
For more information about NEWSUBSTANCE please visit www.NEWSUBSTANCE.co.uk or check out @NEWSUBSTANCE on Twitter and Instagram.