Virtue of Blue is an eye-catching solar chandelier developed by Jeroen Verhoeven. It comprises 500 butterflies fashioned from sapphire blue photovoltaic cells and surrounding a hand-blown glass bulb. The butterflies collect the sun's energy during day to power the lamp at night.
The piece has great symbolism, reflecting how solar power can promote energy self-sufficiency just as these insects also power their own bodies using their wings to absorb the rays of the sun and raise their own body temperatures; something essential to their survival.
Virtue of Blue was first shown at the London gallery, Blain|Southern. It measures 144 x 144 x 162 cm in size and is comprised of polycrystalline silicon solar cells, a hand-blown glass bulb, and steel and aluminium structural elements.
“The real inspiration for this piece was the material used to make the solar panels, which I was amazed by; especially as it’s a naturally occurring material (silicon). Normally when people think of solar panels, they think of them on the top of roofs, and in general they are regarded as an ugly necessity. But when I saw the material up close I thought it was beautiful,” Verhoeven explains. “We wanted to take the panels and put them in a different context so that they can still function but because they are closer to you, and not hidden from view in the same way solar panels usually are, you cannot help but be amazed by the material. I think it’s crazy that people try to hide solar panels – it’s like putting something beautiful in the bin!”
Under ideal circumstances the solar power will light the chandelier for four hours. However it is a hybrid system – so the chandelier can be connected to the mains. It is also fitted with a rechargeable battery to provide backup power in case there is not enough natural light.
For those of you interested in seeing the butterflies first hand, Virtue of Blue is now hanging in the Van Beuningen Museum in Rotterdam (Holland). Other locations are still in negotiation.
Does Verhoeven have plans to make any more renewable energy inspired sculptures – perhaps even a large version of Virtue of Blue capable of powering the lighting of a public place or square in which it is situated for example? “We are working on new different kind of pieces, but on request we are open to make larger versions for public or private spaces,” he reveals.
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