It might seem counterintuitive at first for a light art show to tout one of its major themes as sustainability with so much of the festival dependent on energy-draining displays, but that’s just what this year’s i Light Marina Bay show is aiming to do.
Many of the numerous light displays, some of which are projected onto the building facades at Marina Bay Waterfront, are relying on sustainable energy like solar power, as well as using recyclable construction materials as a part of their displays. It’s this spirit of being environmentally friendly that has organizers of the festival encouraging both businesses and residents to be mindful of their energy consumption throughout the duration of the festival, turning off lights when no one is using them and increasing the temperatures inside of buildings to save on air conditioning outputs. The energy saved by these efforts from many structures and people in the region will go toward powering the displays of the light art festival, meaning that the entire event will operate nearly without leaving a carbon footprint.
The light art festival will also take place during the annual Earth Hour on March 19 in which various cities across the globe participate in turning off the lights for an entire hour to highlight the importance of energy conservation and sustainability. During this period, the light art displays at the festival will also be turned off in solidarity with the efforts.
Numerous artists from around the world are participating in this year’s event, showcasing a broad range of talent and visions. One display projected on a building allows viewers to interact with it via an app, moving Chinese characters onto the display for everyone to see. Another display offers an impressive grid of solar lights ensconced in bamboo, making a shimmering and immersive artwork. The artist of this work says that the lights will be donated to communities in Myanmar that don’t have access to such lights, while the bamboo structures of the installation will be donated to make construction scaffolding. These thoughtful donations ensure that no piece of the artwork will go to waste.
Another innovative piece by a Singaporean artist is a light display that is meant to be seen by touch, offering an almost Braille-like experience of viewing by visitors. The piece is meant to spark dialogues and inspire new perceptions of cities and places people who see normally might take for granted.
Light art is just one of many different facets of the art world. Are you interested in exploring art more meaningfully by participating in it? Sign up today for an art class via SGArtClass.com. SGArtClass.com is a website that organizes listings of art classes so you can browse through different lessons offered all in one convenient place. SGArtClass.com is sure to have an art class that will interest you and compliment your area of study.
For more on the light art festival, go to http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/03/07/singapores-light-art-festival-highlights-sustainability-zero-carbon-footprinting.htm.