Last Saturday was a beautiful Spring day in NYC, so of course I decided to bring my oldest son (age 11), to see the underground Holographic Studio, located in Gramercy. The Studio is described on their website thusly:
“Located in a former blacksmith’s forge, the world’s longest operating gallery of holography is now in its fourth decade. We have been named the Number One Obscure Museum in America by Mashable. Founded by one of the original pioneers of holography, Jason Arthur Sapan, Holographic Studios is a leader in display holography.”
“Located in a former blacksmith’s forge, the world’s longest operating gallery of holography is now in its fourth decade. We have been named the Number One Obscure Museum in America by Mashable. Founded by one of the original pioneers of holography, Jason Arthur Sapan, Holographic Studios is a leader in display holography.”
Mr. Sapan, better known as Dr. Laser, gave an entertaining lecture in his unique gallery of homemade holograms (Andy Warhol turning pages in a magazine, for example) before leading the group of about twenty people down into his basement lair, where he makes lasers and holograms. We were asked beforehand if anyone objected to being in a small space with a puff of cigarette smoke as part of a demonstration. No one did, and so Dr. Laser replied, “Good. I hate those people anyway!” The smoke turned out to be a medium for the laser to be projected upon in the dark, creating a dazzling, trippy effect, even if it did leave our clothes smelling of cigarette smoke for a couple of hours.
We were also shown how holograms get made, while being entertained with stories about Dr. Laser’s commercial clients over the years. In addition, Dr. Laser showed us a compilation video of his acting work; He’s had many bit parts in famous movies and TV shows since the late 70’s. Of note is his appearance in an MTV music video for the 80’s new wave band, A Flock of Seagulls. Dr. Laser claims he is the first actor to be credited on screen in a music video.
We were also shown how holograms get made, while being entertained with stories about Dr. Laser’s commercial clients over the years. In addition, Dr. Laser showed us a compilation video of his acting work; He’s had many bit parts in famous movies and TV shows since the late 70’s. Of note is his appearance in an MTV music video for the 80’s new wave band, A Flock of Seagulls. Dr. Laser claims he is the first actor to be credited on screen in a music video.
Dr. Laser puts on a good live show. He is kind of like a brasher, New York version of Bill The Science Guy. Also funnier.
Readers of this diary (and of my book), know that I have been experimenting with a hologram-type magic effect for the Suitcase of Wonders show. It’s not really a hologram, of course, but the four-sided projection is an entertaining facsimile. Other instances of the word, “hologram” that have been used to describe media effects (Tupac performing on stage, for example) are also not the real thing - they are most likely a variation of the Pepper’s Ghost illusion from the 19th century. But make no mistake, Dr. Laser’s holograms are the real deal. Some of the more elaborate (and expensive) ones are deeply realistic three dimensional images. My son and I at first mistook them to be actual objects. These are fantastic, scientific works of art, and, like magic, best seen live, in person.
The tour of the Holographer’s Laboratory was a wonderful New York experience as well. Dr. Laser is a hidden treasure here in the city. Along with being an amazing scientist, artist, showman, teacher and actor, he is also a genuine New Yorker, as demonstrated by the several interruptions of his tour so he (rather, his wife) could feed the meter.
Readers of this diary (and of my book), know that I have been experimenting with a hologram-type magic effect for the Suitcase of Wonders show. It’s not really a hologram, of course, but the four-sided projection is an entertaining facsimile. Other instances of the word, “hologram” that have been used to describe media effects (Tupac performing on stage, for example) are also not the real thing - they are most likely a variation of the Pepper’s Ghost illusion from the 19th century. But make no mistake, Dr. Laser’s holograms are the real deal. Some of the more elaborate (and expensive) ones are deeply realistic three dimensional images. My son and I at first mistook them to be actual objects. These are fantastic, scientific works of art, and, like magic, best seen live, in person.
The tour of the Holographer’s Laboratory was a wonderful New York experience as well. Dr. Laser is a hidden treasure here in the city. Along with being an amazing scientist, artist, showman, teacher and actor, he is also a genuine New Yorker, as demonstrated by the several interruptions of his tour so he (rather, his wife) could feed the meter.
