Saturate

Saturate is an electro-acoustic composition by artist Sara Retallick, presented in a swimming pool and experienced with ears below the surface.

We provided lighting design for presentations of the work at the 2025 editions of Brunswick Music Festival (Brunswick Baths) and RISING (Melbourne City Baths).

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Profile spotlights were focused in discrete areas of the pool, reflecting off the surface to cast rippling patterns of light on the interior architecture of the building, while also refracting through the water to the bottom in shafts of light. Additional underwater lights were placed inside the pool to fill dark areas and provide a safe level of underwater illumination.

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Slowly changing fresnel lights were placed in adjoining areas of the facility, filtering soft, dim light and colour through arch windows and openings into the pool area.

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Colour shifts were used as audience cues for the beginning and end of the work, while drawn out shifts in tint and light intensity delicately accompanied and supported the sonic elements of the composition.