Constellations

An immersive audiovisual experience by Robin Fox in which sound, light, and space collide.

Step into a different dimension and immerse yourself in the energy and ambience of Constellations. This spellbinding experience transforms the NFSA gallery into a vibrant fantasia of colour and sound, with laser beams which pulse in harmony with the very electricity that powers them. 

Open 27 February to 4 May in the Gallery at NFSA Acton, 10 am to 3 pm daily. 
Free admission. 

WARNING: This work contains strobing laser effects and theatrical haze.

Constellations is open from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm daily in the Gallery from 27 February to 4 May.

  • This experience contains:
    • haze
    • loud music
    • low-level ambient light
    • bright flashing lights
    • lasers
    • strobe lighting
  • The experience runs on a constant loop. There are no breaks in the experience. Visitors may leave the experience at any time.
  • Entry to the gallery is via a curtained light lock. NFSA staff can assist patrons with entry and exit.
  • Seating is available inside the gallery.
  • All experiences and venues at the NFSA are wheelchair accessible.
  • Suitable for audiences who may not have a comprehensive understanding of the English language.

More information on accessibility at the NFSA is available here.

The NFSA is open 10.00 am to 4.00 pm daily on McCoy Circuit in Acton’s cultural precinct, Canberra. Our onsite cafe and bar is open daily, serving locally roasted Redbrick coffee, sandwiches, sweet treats and more. 

Plan your visit 
 

About Constellations

Constellations: a cutting-edge audiovisual experience at the NFSA 

Constellations is an immersive audiovisual experience that unifies the relationship between sound, light and space. It brings together stunning visual and audio elements; laser beams pulse with energy harmonising with the very electricity that powers them. Constellations is an otherworldly experience in which light becomes sound, and sound becomes light. 

Suspended crystal refractors catch the laser beams and scatter them across space, creating bursts of colour and light that appear to transcend the laws of physics. Sonified voltage powers these beams, allowing visitors to experience an audiovisual spectacle like no other.  

Visit this free attraction at the NFSA for a one-of-a-kind, immersive audiovisual experience in the heart of Canberra.

Constellations photography: Bryony Jackson

An array of criss-crossing purple-white laser beams directed towards the ceiling in the Constellations exhibition

Artist statement

Constellations transforms the Gallery into a ridiculous splendour of sound and light. The work is designed to respond to the site and each iteration develops on the last. The Canberra version uses a grid of 60 small crystal balls suspended from the ceiling. Invisible in the darkness, these crystal balls become target points for white laser light that explodes and refracts on impact – splitting into a colourful cornucopia of light and sound.  

The work explores the potential for symmetry and patterned interaction between the beams, the targets and the immersive sound world. As with most of my audiovisual work, the voltage you see (in the form of laser beam displacement) is often also the voltage that you hear.  

Robin Fox is an internationally recognised, Australian based audiovisual artist, working across live performance, exhibitions, public art, and composition for contemporary dance.

Recent large-scale projects include ICON, which illuminated the Sydney Opera House for its 50th birthday, Night Sky for Brisbane Festival, Aqua Luma for Mona Foma 2021, Library of Light for Illuminate Adelaide 2021, BEACON for Mona Foma 2022, and MONOCHORD for Rising Festival 2022. In 2019 his science-fiction opera DIASPORA premiered at the Melbourne International Arts Festival. This work was made in collaboration with Chamber Made and won a Green Room Award for Best Production and Best Visual Design. Photograph: Ros O'Gorman.

Beams of pink and purple lasers extending outwards from a central point on a gallery ceiling in the Constellations exhibition
Constellations is designed to bypass your critical faculty, so you can experience a sense of childlike wonder. That’s the feeling I had when I first experimented with this idea and that’s the feeling I want to share.
Robin Fox
Constellations is part of Enlighten: Beyond – see the nation’s capital in a dazzling new light.

What's on at Acton

There’s always something to inspire and delight at the NFSA. Catch a cult classic at Arc Cinema, explore the curious collection of audiovisual artefacts on display in The Library or simply drop in to enjoy our sunny heritage courtyard. 

Find out more

Crowd sitting and watching Nai Palm Live at the NFSA

Events & Experiences

We’re open daily in Acton’s cultural precinct. Check out our ticketed events, explore our heritage building for free or simply enjoy a locally roasted coffee in our sunny courtyard. 

Find out more

People looking at items in an exhibition space.

The Library

Discover The Library: a celebration of pop culture curiosities and a treasure box of the NFSA’s most precious, wondrous and whimsical artefacts. Admission is free: your adventure begins now. 

Find out more on The Library

Want to hear more about upcoming installations, events and experiences at NFSA Acton? Sign up to our What's On email.
Your details

(View our privacy policy)

Criss-crossing laser beams in the sound and light exhibition Constellations
Constellations transforms the Gallery of the NFSA into a ridiculous splendour of sound and light.
Robin Fox