T e s t o b j e c t 

T e s t o b j e c t  (He_Ne,  Ar and  Xe)  are light pieces that allows for up-close observation of colorful and shape-rich gas processes. Pascal Smelik  aims to capture an illusion of the Northern Lights within a glass form with this light piece. The light in T e s t o b j e c t is produced by manipulating gas discharges with electrodes on either side.

The basis of this technique is comparable to existing gas discharge lamps, such as the well-known neon lighting, where the same phenomenon occurs as in natural occurrences, only the gas discharge technique is often hidden, due to non-transparent glass tubes. With this project, Smelik intends to make the physical process visible and provide an aesthetic and emotional experience.

In this phase, a surprising interplay between craftsmanship, technology, tradition, and innovation emerges in the development of the work that can be described as ‘The design of Art’. The light piece is being realized in collaboration with a traditional  glass blower.

Additionally, Pascal Smelik works with various disciplines such as physics, chemistry, science, art and design. 

"In this object, the disciplines of design, art, science, and craftsmanship are brought together. There has been a deliberate search for specific expertise, and thus it is expected that the research will develop valuable technical knowledge and result in the creation of a meaningful object that is producible in editions."

Something similar happens in T e s t o b j e c t, akin to the Northern Lights. A gas discharge lamp, is a glass tube filled with neon (or other noble gases) at low pressure, where light is produced through gas discharge. When a high voltage is applied across the tube, a gas discharge occurs, elevating the electrons of the gas to a higher energy level and emitting light characteristic of that gas.

In the traditional neon lighting world, neon and argon are commonly used. There are also four other noble gases (helium, krypton, xenon, radon). Due to the limited color spectrum of these gases, a fluoride is applied inside the glass. This combination of fluoride and gas allows the neon glas blowers  to create tubes of any desired color. However, for Smelik, the most fascinating part of the gas discharge technique is hidden by painting the inside of the tube with fluoride, as is currently customary. You no longer see the gas discharging and the gas particles lighting up themselves. Smelik aims to design a light object that showcases these miraculous processes similar to those in nature, offering a closer view and simpler insights into the world around us."