Lighted
December 6, 2016, 9:25 pm
For those of us in northern climes, the sun (if it has not been hiding under clouds all day) makes its exit now at 4:15, leaving us with 15 hours of darkness. Winter tests our spirits. We all crave light.
I recently read about an amazing art event that epitomizes our universal desire to light up the darkness at this black, cold time of year. In December and January, the city of Amsterdam hosts a Light Festival. Note that these are not Christmas lights but rather a spectacular art event that showcases the most innovative, state of the art, breathtaking and spirit lifting art pieces made from light. The art is installed on two routes, is free to view and encompasses the entire central city. Hundreds of thousands of people come together and turn their faces toward the light.
All the art is designed to interact with the urban environment whether it is installed on the water route or the walking route. And all can be seen by walking since sidewalks line the canals. However, boat tours of the light extravaganza are especially popular.
This year 2,000 artists from all over the world submitted entries. One of the most spectacular installations is a gigantic piece of Dutch “lace” in the shape of a traditional Dutch bonnet. In a delightful irony, it was designed by artists from Massachusetts.
Since we cannot all hop on a plane to the Netherlands, I have found the following pictures and video from this festival which aims to make, “the darkness more bearable”. Bravo to all the artists, architects, scientists, technicians and workers who took on the gloom and prevailed.
9 Comments for this entry
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Greetings and welcome...
The Suitcase Lady Blog is now in its thirteenth year. I am obviously a believer in these words from E. B. White. "We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry." Thank you for reading the writing that I delight in doing.
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December 6th, 2016 on 9:38 PM
I would like to recommend the city of Chicago, since their great Chicago Fire festival on the river was a bust that they try a Chicago river light festival! It’s the perfect venue since they just finished the river walk. It would be beautiful!
December 6th, 2016 on 9:53 PM
This is amazing! What an uplift!
December 6th, 2016 on 10:01 PM
Wow – that is gorgeous – wish I could be there but thank you for sharing this!!!
December 6th, 2016 on 10:07 PM
Yes, I want to be there as well, but just watching the videos and knowing that people can work together for the joy of all is comforting.
December 7th, 2016 on 8:23 AM
This is incredible. I was in Chicago last weekend, and was astonished at how the city was lit up. People were out and about on the streets, which were full of light. At home in Bayside I feel like crawling into my shell when it becomes dark, which is now so early. I have to force myself to leave the house at night. The China Lights Festival was a huge success. It seems that people crave light.
December 7th, 2016 on 8:23 AM
Lincoln Park Zoo has lights. Hope to get there.
December 7th, 2016 on 9:10 AM
Elizabeth Levins they added more lights this year. It’s very nice.
December 7th, 2016 on 9:20 AM
adding it to my list of fun chicago must dos. do not get there often enough.
December 8th, 2016 on 5:26 PM
Mary, I didn’t know about the 606 in Chicago…or about the Amsterdam Light Festival. I love that you are introducing us to this fun art around the world. I may not get to travel there, but I can dream!