The exhibition starts with holographic portraits of Yuri Denisyuk, the founder of image holography. ‘’Magic of Light’’ brings together more than 200 objects, that represent the development of holography.

Sergei Stafeev, the dean of the Department of Natural Sciences and the supervisor of ‘’Magic of Light’’, says: “We have been working on this exhibition for about two years. Back then we made the pilot version with our Greek colleagues.

Today one can see a lot of holograms that Yuri Denisyuk collected, as well as digital holograms, realistic Optoclones® and many other objects. We bring together science, art, studies and entertainment.’’

Anders Sarakinos, the Scientific Director of Hellenic Institute of Holography presented Optoclones® of the Imperial Faberge Eggs at the exhibition. One can also see the holographic copies of Rene Magritte "Pipe" and impressionistic pictures. The copies are extremely realistic, so colors, texture and details don`t differ from real. All these objects were made possible by a special hologram camera designed by the researchers of Hellenic Institute of Holography.

Achievements of holography are widely used in the field of visual arts. The exhibition visitors can see modern installations. For instance, one of halls is illuminated with light diodes. To switch it on one should spin the pedals of a fitness cycle. 

The holograms are also used in architecture, medicine and education. For example, the visitors of ‘’Magic of Light’’ can see a 3-D architectural project of a building. Moving around it one can see the peculiarities of the structure layer by layer.

Besides holograms and interactive objects, ‘’Magic of Light’’ includes a laser theatre ‘’LUX AETERNA’’, where optical devices take the place of the stage set and actors.

‘’Along with the ‘’Magic of Light’’ in the framework of the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies the “X International Image Holography Symposium’’ began. This year it is devoted to Yuri Denisyuk,’’ Vladimir Vasilyev, the rector of ITMO University, says. The ‘’Magic of Light’’ correlates with our concept ‘’IT's MOre than a University’’ because we popularize academic-based projects. This exhibition brings the University and society together. ‘’Magic of Light’’ will be open in St. Petersburg for four months. Then it will travel to the Netherlands, Italy and other countries.’’

The “Magic of Light” Exhibition is open to the public starting July 3rd until October 31st at Birzhevaja Linija, 14, 10 am to 9 pm. 

Ulyana Malysheva

News portal editorial office