A luminous journey through space and sound, illuminating the soul within Grace Cathedral.
Grace Light is a large-scale, immersive light installation at San Francisco’s historic Grace Cathedral. Conceived by artist George Zisiadis and accompanied by an original score by composer Gabriel Gold, the installation transforms the cathedral into a living canvas of ethereal light. Supported by Illuminate, a nonprofit dedicated to public art, this experience invites visitors to step into a meditative journey where beams of light cascade from above, shifting and flowing in response to the atmospheric soundscape.
Digital Ambiance assisted in acquiring, installing, and troubleshooting the projection system, ensuring the seamless execution of each performance.
Designing the Ethereal
Crafting an experience where technology fades into awe.
The idea behind Grace Light was to create a spiritual and meditative journey through the interplay of light, sound, and architecture. Artist George Zisiadis envisioned an experience where beams of projected light would fill the vast cathedral, evoking a sense of awe and introspection.
composing with light
Bringing Grace Light to life involved a delicate balance between light movement and musical composition. Gabriel Gold’s original score, inspired by the cathedral’s acoustics, was carefully synchronized with the evolving light sequences. The 30K-lumen projector was programmed to project beams in harmony with the music, creating a seamless visual-sonic dialogue that guided the audience’s experience.
Projecting the Divine
The 30K-lumen projector was precisely positioned and calibrated to align with the cathedral’s architecture. The projection system was fine-tuned to ensure clarity and synchronization with the audio. A controlled haze system filled the space, making the beams visible and maintaining the desired atmospheric effect.
Behind the scenes
Client: Grace Cathedral, SF & Illuminate, SF
Creative Director & Design Lead: Ben Davis, Illuminate SF
Producer: Ben Pollack, Digital Ambiance
Projection Design:
Lead Artist: George Zisiadis