Anni Arffman: The Last Disco Animals

The Last Disco Animals are extinct animal species equipped with various pre-programmed LED strip light effects. The animals are cut and engraved from acrylic sheets, and the LED light attached to the edges travels along the engravings. The creatures pulse and flicker at different rhythms or remain statically illuminated. The first appearance of the Thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) was at the Night of the Arts in Old Pikisaari, on the “dance floor” of a forest disco. Inspired by its reception, the piece was later expanded and featured at ValoVIMMA in Siikajoki. The work carries a darkly humorous, end-of-times atmosphere, which was further emphasized by the flood-like conditions of ValoVIMMA—evoking a sense of apocalyptic surrealism.