Miracoco by Architects of Air Has Returned to The Long Center

Architects of Air Miracoco at The Long Center

It doesn’t take much for a vivid imagination to run wild inside Miracoco

When I first moved to Austin, back when Emo’s was on 6th St., there was this dude who would sit out on the sidewalk of 6th St. and spray paint these crazy designs on canvas. He’d then light the canvas on fire and the end result was a beautiful alien landscape. That guy is no longer around, but Austin hasn’t stopped being an inviting environment for creativity.

What Is Architects of Air?

Until February 2nd, The Long Center will be hosting an extremely unique and interactive art exhibit called Architects of Air: Miracoco Luminarium. Created by Alan Parkinson, luminarium are unique, one-of-a-kind sculptures made of custom designed inflatables. Yes, you read correctly. These are surreal, labyrinthine inflatable structures that take advantage of a plethora of design elements and natural lighting.

Though it may seem hard to believe, all lighting comes from the sun

I wasn’t sure what to expect as I stepped into the luminarium named Miracoco. In short, I was blown away by the color and design. Jenni, my guide, told me the light source is the natural light found outside. This was interesting, since it was rather gloomy outside during my visit. I could only imagine how wildly vivid the experience would be on a clear day.

It was as if I stepped into a kaleidoscope. Every time I looked through my camera, I saw something new – the body of a jellyfish, a dragon’s eye, a supernova, and so on. Those with psychedelic or surreal imaginations should not miss this exhibit!

What Is Miracoco

Miracoco is one of Alan Parkinson’s newer luminarium, created in 2011. This particular display features the largest center dome built to date. Last year, The Long Center displayed Exxopolis, which was designed to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Architects of Air’s first luminariun, Eggopolis.

The 2013 event generated so much buzz, it drew in 10,000 visits in a single week and expectations are equally high this year. You have a few days to get your turn, though. The exhibit opened on January 24th and will be open until this Sunday, February 2nd.

Due to the material Miracoco is made of, visitors will be asked to remove their shoes. With the erratic weather Austin has been experiencing, it wouldn’t hurt to wear a nice pair of thick socks. During my visit, a cold front had just assaulted the city and my tootsies were pretty chilly by the time I left. Regardless of the temperature, I could have easily worn out my welcome.

This is one of the passages that connects the colored domes of Miracoco

Architects of Air offers a one-of-a-kind experience that should not be missed. In fact, this exhibit is only one of two happening in the entire state this year. Better yet, it is wheelchair accessible and family friendly. Children two years old and under get in free. Tickets are $10.00 for everyone else and kids under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. If you are a Long Center Member or Subscriber, you are privy to priority access.