DRIFT's Kinetic Light Installation 'Shy Society' at Palazzo Balbi for Venice Biennale
Studio DRIFT, a Dutch creative duo, presented 'Shy Society', a kinetic light installation at Palazzo Balbi on Venice's Canal Grande during the 61st Venice Biennale. The work featured five robotic flower-like structures made of aluminum, polished stainless steel, silk, and LED lights, suspended from the 16th-century palace facade. Controlled by a custom algorithm, the elements mimicked nyctinasty—the circadian rhythm of flowers opening at dawn and closing at dusk—while also responding to water, wind, and city activity. The choreography was designed to resemble a human resting heartbeat. 'Shy Society' evolved from DRIFT's earlier project 'Shylight', which explored how inanimate objects can express character and emotions. The installation was on view from May 3 to May 10, 2025. DRIFT plans to open its own museum in Amsterdam in 2026, dedicated to large-scale immersive works.
Key facts
- Studio DRIFT created 'Shy Society' for the 61st Venice Biennale.
- The installation was site-specific at Palazzo Balbi, a 16th-century building.
- Five kinetic elements were suspended from the facade.
- Materials included aluminum, polished stainless steel, silk, and LED lights.
- A custom algorithm controlled the movement, mimicking nyctinasty.
- The choreography was inspired by a human resting heartbeat.
- 'Shy Society' is connected to DRIFT's earlier work 'Shylight'.
- The installation was on view from May 3 to May 10, 2025.
- DRIFT will open a museum in Amsterdam in 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Studio DRIFT
- Lonneke Gordijn
- Ralph Nauta
Institutions
- Palazzo Balbi
- Venice Biennale
- Studio DRIFT
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection
- Rijksmuseum
- Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt
- New York City Ballet
- Palazzo Strozzi
- designboom
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Canal Grande
- Amsterdam
- Netherlands
- Grand Canal
- Ponte dell'Accademia
- Accademia Bridge