BE-EArt

11 DECEMBER, 2024 | By Natalya Kahn & Naini Mandal

If you want to know what a particular piece of equipment, power converter or PPE looks like without having to go and see for yourself, you’re in luck. BE-EA’s artists in residence (a.k.a. Naini and Natalya) are working their way round the experimental areas taking panoramic pictures so all will soon be visible at the click of a mouse!

We work on commission and accept special requests – point us in the direction of, say, Building 251, with instructions to capture each power converter and ensure that every label is legible, and we’ll be on our way to request access before you can say another word.

Exploring CERN’s secrets has led us to some exciting places (see below, “Post-impressionist Chair”) and we have had some interesting companions (see “Bird on Composite Tile”), but we are undeterred. We currently have EN-ACE’s camera on semi-permanent loan, but once our own arrives, there will be no stopping us!

The process for each panorama involves:

1. Setting up, i.e. levelling and focussing – easier said than done since the floor is often uneven or made of mesh with gaps bigger than the tripod’s feet. Note to self: removing both parts of the lens cap is a good idea and saves time later…

2. Dancing around the camera as it takes its four pictures (1 every 90°) – the aim is to keep invisible and not knock the tripod.

3. Repeating steps 1 and 2 at every label, piece of equipment, corner, door, etc.

4. Stitching the pictures together with the help* of the software PTGui.

5. Uploading the end results, making sure images are in the right place and link with each other correctly. Panoramic pictures are available here.

* We now also have a sideline in abstract art (with special thanks to PTGui). Exhibition options are being explored and we welcome all enquiries.

Included here are “Tableau Electrique”, “The Starry Pipes” and “Mondrian’s Signs”.