PLANETARIUM

“True to the name of the project, Planetarium, the massive, light-absorbing black orb suspended above the stage is lit up with stunning projections that vary from swirling gas-planet atmosphere, fire and clouds, to smudged-charcoal puffs and purple mosaics.” – In the Mix
“A wonderful display of visual lighting effects of a giant orb that hung center stage and the brilliance of songwriting and composition of these talented men. If Vivid is all about lights and sounds, then you’d almost have to have these as your centerpiece every year as it enraptures the essence of the festival.” – VIVID Live Review

A concert scene with a large, illuminated globe projection of Earth and red laser lights crossing above the stage where musicians are performing.

A live band performing on stage with a large, colorful, geometric, spherical projection above them, featuring abstract shapes and vibrant colors like blue, green, red, and purple.

A musical performance on stage with a large globe projection above, featuring musicians playing various instruments under blue and pink lighting.

A live music performance is shown on stage with blue lighting and visuals, featuring musicians with instruments, and a large spherical projection above them.

A band performing on stage with a large digital display showing an abstract black and white pattern with glowing circles and lines, while stage lighting creates a dynamic atmosphere.

Musicians performing on stage with colorful light projections, including a large green and blue orb or planet overhead.

A person performing on stage with a keyboard, colorful lights and a large, glowing 3D sphere or globe suspended above them.

A concert with a large, colorful, space-themed projection of a planet and stars on a screen behind performers on stage.

Concert scene with a large digital projection of a multicolored, abstract geometric shape resembling a planet on a screen, with a band performing on stage and laser lights.

A concert stage with musicians performing, colorful abstract visuals on a large screen, and stage lighting including spotlights and beams, with silhouettes of audience members in the foreground.

A live music concert with band performing on stage, surrounded by dramatic lighting and abstract circular light patterns projected on a large screen overhead.

Bright laser lights and colorful circular patterns at a dance or music event with a large spherical decoration.

Lights and laser beams projected onto a large circular screen at a concert or event with an audience in the foreground.

A stage with musicians performing, a large moon projection hanging in the air, and beams of light creating an atmospheric concert setting.

A large spherical object with colorful swirling lights projected onto it, in a dark nightclub or concert setting with stage lights and people in the background.

Concert stage with performers and a large screen displaying a colorful face projection.

A large spherical video projection with colorful red, yellow, and blue patterns displayed on a dark stage with performers and equipment illuminated by red lights.

A spherical planet model illuminated by colorful lights, with a streak of rainbow-colored light extending from it in a dark indoor setting.

Silhouette of a person's head in front of a vibrant display of red and orange fireworks in the night sky.

Concert stage with a cosmic-themed large screen projection, showing an abstract colorful sphere, and silhouettes of musicians and audience in the foreground.

4AD Visual Album and Tour

In 2017, Planetarium toured internationally with stops in Paris, at Hollywood Forever in LA, and at the Prospect Park Bandshell, supporting the album's official release on the label 4AD.

Lyric videos for the record label 4AD further meld the ethereal visual narrative with new media formats, enriching the viewer’s experience.

“Mercury” debuted on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2017.

A large screen displays cosmic nebula with red, orange, and white colors, illuminated by a blue spotlight. On stage, musicians are performing with red stage lights surrounding them.

A concert stage with laser lights and a black-and-white backdrop of a planet or moon.

A live musical performance on stage with a large screen displaying a digital art image of a woman's face surrounded by swirling patterns and glowing lights.

A stage with a large LED screen displaying a colorful, swirling galaxy-like graphic, with band members performing in front of it and blue stage lights overhead.

A band performs on stage with a colorful digital backdrop, in front of a large audience.

A band performing on stage with a large digital floral display in the background and blue stage lighting.

A band performing live on stage with colorful lighting and smoke effects, with musicians playing instruments including drums, keyboard, and guitar.

Musicians performing on stage with a large fiery circular display in the background

A stage with purple curtains and colorful stage lights, featuring a large screen displaying a close-up of a woman with red hair and a bow in her hair. Three musicians are performing with musical instruments in front of the screen, including keyboards

PLANETARIUM was a celestial multimedia performance created with Sufjan Stevens, Bryce Dessner, Nico Muhly, and James McAlister, featuring projection-mapped imagery on a giant inflatable sphere.

This ambitious project, a collaboration with musicians Sufjan Stevens, Bryce Dessner, Nico Muhly, and James McAlister, featured a giant inflatable sphere that displayed mapped projections, enhancing the live musical performance and astrological, mythical storytelling. The atmospheric visuals combined analog and generative imagery—including charcoal animations and volumetric pigments—creating a holographic effect on a sphere covered with black projection material that "disappeared" in darkness.

In 2017, Planetarium toured internationally with stops in Paris, at Hollywood Forever in Los Angeles, and at the Prospect Park Bandshell, supporting the album's official release on the 4AD label. Several original visuals were translated into lyric videos, further extending the project's celestial visual language beyond the stage.

Production Credits

Visual Concept + Direction:
Sufjan Stevens, Deborah Johnson

Scenic + Projection Design:
Deborah Johnson

Lighting Design:
Ben Stanton (2013) / Sarah Landau (2017)

Technical Director:
Josh Higgason

Commissioned by:
Muziekgebouw Eindhoven

Produced by:
4AD