FAQ

Floating Light Art is a site-specific practice by Malte Kebbel creating dynamic light installations on water. Sculptural forms, light, sound, and digital elements interact with wind, currents, and the surrounding environment to form evolving spatial compositions.

Installations often unfold as multiple constellations across the water, inviting visitors to experience familiar places in new ways — fostering connection, reflection, and contemplation. The work explores the relationship between natural forces, perception, and constructed environments, positioning water as both medium and reflective space.

Designed for both day and night, the works create distinct visual environments and can extend into interactive and audiovisual elements, generating strong visual landmarks and public engagement.

Installations can be realized on most bodies of water and, in adapted form, also on land. Each project is developed based on a site study assessing:

• Water depth, movement, and available space

• Anchoring conditions (existing or temporary systems)

• Environmental factors (wind, waves, tides)

• Technical infrastructure and access

• Safety, regulations, and visitor flow

All installations are tailored to ensure feasibility, safety, and seamless integration into the site.

Yes — all installations are designed for safe public presentation and environmental responsibility, in coordination with local regulations and site conditions.

• Fully sealed, waterproof electrical systems

• No hazardous or exposed materials

• Secure anchoring adapted to each site

• Directional light and sound to minimize environmental impact

• No permanent impact or waste

All safety measures are developed in coordination with local authorities and project partners. Installations are designed to operate reliably in public space while ensuring the protection of visitors, the environment, and the artwork itself.

Installations are designed as spatial environments with clearly defined viewing, interaction, and sound areas.

• Floating elements remain at a safe distance

• Visitors experience the work from shore or designated zones

• Interactive elements (where applicable) are placed in controlled areas

• Visitor flow and spatial organization are developed in coordination with the project partner

This ensures safety, accessibility, and a strong overall experience.

The installations unfold as dynamic environments shaped by light, sound, movement, and perception over time. They can be understood as spatial compositions that shift between sculpture, environment, and perception, operating as a synchronized system across the entire installation.

• By day: reflections, optical effects, and natural movement create constantly changing compositions

• By night: light and sound transform the site into immersive, atmospheric environments

Depending on the project, interactive and audiovisual elements may enhance the experience. These elements are wirelessly connected to the overall system, enabling synchronized interaction and flexible placement across larger spatial distances.

Sound is incorporated as a spatial element within the overall composition.

• Speakers are integrated on platforms or in designated shore zones

• Wireless systems allow synchronized playback across the installation

• Directional sound focuses the experience and minimizes spillover

• Sound and interactive elements can be connected wirelessly, enabling flexible positioning over larger distances

Sound contributes to the perception and atmosphere of the work. Depending on the project, Studio Malte Kebbel may collaborate with selected sound artists to develop site-specific compositions.

Yes — installations can also be realized on land, on the ground, on pedestals, or mounted or suspended depending on the work.

Land-based setups allow closer interaction, while maintaining the same conceptual approach. Where appropriate, additional spatial elements may be developed as part of the installation, including elements such as visitor pathways and spatial layouts that integrate movement and visitor flow into the overall experience.

Selected works, including Light Anemones, have been presented on land in urban and outdoor contexts — including at i Light Singapore (Singapore) and Luminale (Frankfurt) — demonstrating flexibility across different environments.