Alexandra Carr's kinetic sculpture Only Breath blooms at Science Museum London's Energy Revolution gallery

Only Breath, a kinetic sculpture by Torus Torus Studio, serves as the centerpiece of the Science Museum London's permanent Energy Revolution: The Adani Green Energy Gallery. The 5-meter-wide installation features mirrored panels that slowly expand and retract in a blooming motion, symbolizing humanity's role in the carbon cycle and climate action. Created by visual artists Alexandra Carr and Colin Rennie, the work incorporates a spiral form inspired by natural patterns and biomimetic design. Technical development involved a 1:5 scale model with linear actuators and Arduino microcontroller, followed by collaboration with Hepco Motion and Automation for the final motion system using servo controllers and Zimm Screwjacks. Engineering firm Buro Happold also contributed to the project. The title references a 13th-century poem by Jalal Al-Din Rumi. Carr, an Aesthetica Art Prize alumnus longlisted in 2017, 2019, and 2020, credits the prize with boosting her career and leading to this commission. Torus Torus Studio will open a new kinetic piece in Sunderland this July, with additional public art projects in development. The Aesthetica Art Prize remains open for entries until 31 August 2024, offering £10,000, exhibition, and publication opportunities.