Lexus has revealed ‘8 Minutes and 20 Seconds,’ an installation by Dutch solar designer Marjan van Aubel, showcased in the sculpture garden at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami).
The vibrant solar sculpture brings the Lexus LF-ZC concept car to life in an interactive way. Named “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds” paying tribute to the time it takes for sunlight to reach Earth’s surface, it uses third-gen solar cells (Organic Photovoltaics – OPV) to vividly and transparently showcase the LF-ZC as a true-to-size visual pattern design.
Four motion sensors, when activated, light up the base with water-like ripples—an artistic representation of the Lexus electric vehicle (EV) platform. Throughout the day, the colors on the Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) sheets shift from warm sunrise hues to cooler shades.
“The installation doesn’t focus on light itself but rather on the transformative possibilities of light. We’re experimenting with lighting,” explains the designer.
The life-sized sculpture uses energy from the OPV sheets to run on solar power during the day. Batteries positioned within the base of the artwork serve as a silent energy storage device for these solar cells.
This constant absorption builds up into a solar power reserve over time, which powers the fascinating features and displays.
‘What’s nice about these organic photovoltaic cells is that they don’t include synthetic materials like traditional solar cells.
And the payback time is much shorter, just a couple of months instead of a couple of years. Very soon, you can start printing them on an inkjet, in whatever shape you like,’ van Aubel
“8 Minutes and 20 Seconds” plays a calming melody that blends with the environment. It includes a gentle piano, warm string instruments, and chimes. Periodically, natural sounds like birdsong are woven into the tune.
To capture the essence of the car’s original bamboo interior, the composer adds woodsy bamboo tones into the auditory experience.
Currently on display until December 17th, the installation is the result of Lexus’ second year of collaboration with ICA Miami and its sixth immersive event for the brand during Miami Art & Design Week.
