Phase by Relative Distance
Limited-edition of 28 + 2xAP in both sizes.
LED array, bespoke electronics, glass, ink, optical film, metal frame, mineral composite body, power supply.
Simple to install, using a mounting bracket. Hand assembled to order.
Lead time 16-20 weeks.
60cm diameter, POA
120cm diameter, POA
The moment we saw Phase in all its lunar beauty, we knew it would resonate with people across the globe. The emotional connection we have with the Moon is deep, both culturally and spiritually. From science and astronomy to literature, the arts and folklore, its symbolism resonates across cultures and religions. The Moon is often interpreted as a powerful icon of femininity, mystery and renewal. Because Phase is synchronised directly to the lunar calendar, its illumination reflects in real time the celestial progress of our closest neighbour, changing slowly every day.
Phase is both a limited-edition, ambient light and a lunar timepiece. A striking collectible design object, it has been precision-engineered to evoke the quality of moonlight. As the light crosses the glass, it reveals the intricate detail of the Moon’s surface. Four years in development, every element has been conceived to reference our close connection to the Moon – aesthetically, materially and optically. The antithesis of looking at a screen, Phase is a sophisticated backlit print, with its almost imperceptible movement taking place in our peripheral awareness. Encompassing principles of ‘calm technology,’ nothing detracts from the experience of viewing the piece.
Combining innovative lighting with cutting-edge manufacturing processes, Phase is elegantly slender with no visible fixings and softly rounded edges. The image displayed is of the near side of the Moon – a mosaic of 13,000 wide angle photographs, released by NASA in 2011, which reveal incredible detail of the Moon’s surface. Phase has been released as a limited-edition of 28, reflecting the fact that it takes 28 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth.
Of Phase, Roland Ellis says:
“It creates a sense of calm and connection, gently encouraging an awareness of the Moon’s constant progression in the heavens above. We are intrinsically connected to the Moon despite our absolute distance – that is a measure of our cultural and philosophical relatedness to our beautiful celestial neighbour.”
Dev Joshi adds: “Phase uses light to convey the passage of time, its relationship to the calendar and our temporal experience.”
About Relative Distance
Relative Distance is a contemporary design studio founded in 2020 by Roland Ellis and Dev Joshi. Their passion for contemporary design, physics and astronomy is evident through the innovative and imaginative artworks they create. They bring over 20 years of experience working in high-calibre, contemporary art and design studios, designing artworks of distinction for galleries and museums worldwide. Previously, Dev was Associate Director of Random International, the studio behind the phenomenally successful immersive installation Rain Room. Roland’s past experience includes designing for Haberdashery, Random International and Troika.
