Cover photo: Lucida (I–IV) – ph. Lachlan Turczan
«A vital part of my practice is engaging with people, observing their reactions, and listening to how they perceive my work. Only through the collective eye of humanity do I find the most honest answers to the questions my work raises. Sometimes these responses clarify my research; other times, they complicate it. But it’s these reactions that fuel new ideas and new directions,» says Lachlan Turczan, a multidisciplinary artist known for interactive works, installations, and environments that rely primarily on water and light. Turczan challenges the laws of perception, using technology to (seemingly) manipulate matter and make the intangible feel real.
Audience involvement at the heart of his interactive installations
Born in Los Angeles, Turczan says his practice has been deeply shaped by Southern California’s abundance of light and scarcity of water. Drawn to natural phenomena like refraction and how light behaves in fluid, he merges physics and emerging technologies to inspire wonder and pareidolia in those who encounter his work. Viewers instinctively assign forms and meaning—but above all, they experience synesthesia, blurring the boundary between the tangible and the intangible.
A prime example is Turczan’s most recent work for Google, presented at Fuorisalone 2025. Under the broader theme of Making the Visible Invisible, Lucida (I–IV) consists of luminous veils—beams of light combined with water vapor and advanced optics—that react to human presence and movement. So “real” that viewers instinctively tried to brush them aside to pass through.
«I see my art—especially Wavespace, which holds special meaning for me—as an invitation to engage the imagination, to daydream with your eyes open», says Turczan, who consistently transforms “the ordinary” into the extraordinary.
Choreographies of light and water
Lachlan Turczan also choreographs major water fountains around the world, synchronizing water and light shows to the rhythm of music. His works span from Dubai to Singapore and include performances in Bellagio on Italy’s Lake Como.
«My professional experience choreographing fountains—working alongside designers, architects, engineers, dancers, and musicians—has shaped my multidisciplinary approach. It breaks down silos and emphasizes collaboration at every stage of creation. Through rigorous research and experimentation, I continue pushing technological boundaries using advanced materials and custom fabrication techniques».