As the designer of the visuals and projection for Planetarium, I created an immersive celestial-themed stage production that debuted at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles in 2013.

This ambitious project, a collaboration with musicians Sufjan Stevens, Bryce Dessner, and Nico Muhly, 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 LA, and at the Prospect Park Bandshell, supporting the album's official release on the label 4AD. Several original visuals were translated into lyric videos, further melding the ethereal visual narrative. “Mercury” debuted on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2017.

“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

In 2017, Planetarium toured as 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 melding the ethereal visual narrative with new media formats to enrich the viewer’s experience. “Mercury” debuted on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2017.

Credits:

Concept and Direction: Sufjan Stevens and Deborah Johnson
Visual, Scenic, and Projection Design: Deborah Johnson
Lighting Design: Ben Stanton (2013), Sarah Landau (2017)
Technical Director: Josh Higgason