Sonic Fireflies
2012
Atlantic City, NJ

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean,“Sonic Fireflies,” is an interactive sound and light permanent installation that is inspired both by the flashes of fireflies and the sounds of the sea.

This one-of-a-kind artwork created exclusively for Revel by Christopher Janney is composed of numerous engaging elements. First, as people enter the space, they hear a series of environmental sound tracks – from breaking ocean waves, seagulls chirping and calls of children playing, to deep water sounds such as whales, porpoises and “mermaids.” Then, by walking beneath one of the 63 “electronic fireflies,” they trigger soft accents of flutes, marimbas, tabla drums and oboes paired with the flash of a colored light. Each firefly unit contains a small audio speaker, a full-color computer-controlled LED light and sonar-sensor detecting movement throughout the space. At certain times of the day, structured patterns of light and sound, or “The Ghost” as Janney calls it, will also appear to simulate a group of fireflies flying through the space all at once.

“‘Sonic Fireflies’ is a sonic portrait of a soothing ocean oasis; a place of creative stimulation,” said Janney. “All my scores change on any given time or day so it keeps the space interesting and refreshing for guests.”

“Sonic Fireflies is my favorite installation on the entire property, especially in the morning,” said Revel Creative Director Mitch Gorshin. “The sense of enchantment, whimsy and peacefulness that is created as a result of human engagement is nothing less than dreamlike.