Photos: Rare 15-unit mechanical sun sculpture glows with blazing LED corona

The ML15 Helios is a limited-edition mechanical sun sculpture created to celebrate the 15th anniversary of MB&F’s M.A.D.Gallery. Designed by Berlin-based artist Frank Buchwald in collaboration with gallery founder Maximilian Büsser, only 15 handcrafted pieces exist, each weighing 20 pounds and constructed from stainless steel and brass. The sculpture features a central 120mm spherical bulb surrounded by a dimmable LED halo that produces a glowing corona effect, symbolizing the sun. This piece blurs the lines between functional lighting, kinetic sculpture, and mechanical art, emphasizing both precision engineering and artisanal craftsmanship. The ML15 Helios stands on three legs and incorporates visible hardware and joints that highlight its industrial aesthetic. Its electrical wiring is thoughtfully routed through flexible stainless steel tubes, with a silver textile cable and a blue illuminated switch adding subtle design accents. The sculpture’s head assembly can rotate 45 degrees to each side, introducing kinetic movement that allows the light’s direction to be