In Solar Panels 001-005 (2022), James Bridle blends technology with environmental responsibility and collective education. Known for his explorations of digital systems and ecological awareness, Bridle transforms five functional solar panels into reflective surfaces engraved with images of Radiolarians—microscopic sea creatures that build intricate silica skeletons. Rather than concealing their technological purpose, the engravings are inspired by recent optical research showing how such surface modifications can increase photovoltaic efficiency by trapping specific light frequencies typically lost to reflection.
Solar Panel 001 (Anthocyrtium hispidum); Solar Panel 002 (Caclocyma petalospyris); Solar Panel 003 (Heliodiscus umbonatus); Solar Panel 004 (Hexastylus triaxonius); Solar Panel 005 (Stylodicta clavata).
Original images CC-BY 2.0 by Picturepest.