Glow! Shine! Flicker! The Art of Light

Visualization of “Light” or utilization of optical effects for art making have been  big issues all through the ages.  In other terms, it can be stated that the former was tried by adding spiritual or symbolic meanings to the light and the latter was sought in the visual and dramatic effect of lighting.  Coming back to think of our contemporary society, the world surrounding us is highlighted by not only natural light but also artificial light, especially in urban areas.  We cannot comprehend life without light.

All pieces shown in the exhibition are works focusing on light or incorporating its effect, yet various techniques are employed. Heart Mahal, which is the largest among all the pieces in this exhibition, created by the collaboration between Pakistani artists and artisans, and The Ancestral Dress, that is based on Sri Lankan traditional dance, are not only both electrically illuminated but also in common with their roots in the tradition and popular culture of South Asia include the utilization of classic skills of artisans, which support popular culture.

By contrast, the light box type pieces can be stated as being created with more up-to-date technology.  In some pieces, photographs are directly used or the other works register computer-generated images onto our retina with intense lighting, such as Purdah Hai Purdah -What a Veil ! and Three Principles Unite China.

Artificial lighting is directly employed on all pieces mentioned above.  On the other hand, the exhibition also shows pieces utilizing indirect illumination such as Fire and others focusing on the light itself in the form of painting and video such as Yantra and Fireworks.

We hope you enjoy the contest of light through the various works in this exhibition Glow! Shine! Flicker! – The Art of Light.