The Lumiere Festival is a series of public artworks inspired by light and artistic expression, different artworks light up the heart of Vancouver, bringing dynamic performances and exhibit to shine on the art culture that takes illuminates the night sky.
The first thing I notice is the glow of the lights, softly drawing across the darkness. People walking along the pathways and watching the neon reflections lit surrounding them. Families gather to experience the sculptures and the different illustrations that are formed from those artworks. Near Denman Street, the artwork of the memories of colour shines an installation of a coral reef, signalling the importance of environmental care for our ocean and the ecosystem.
Highlighting some of the artworks in the Jim Deva Plaza, the artwork of DecaDance surrounds visitors with reflection and rhythm, showing mirror panels and LED lit dance poles that are in different patterns, captivating the dance floor with its unique creativity and display under the stars. There’s also Saṃsāra, an artwork which explores the illusions of mind and our perceived reality, giving different visual perspectives from the artwork. The Infinite Fire Lounge is another work that brings a sense of pause, reflect and connect, signalling a connection with people, as if you’re sitting in front of a campfire.
On Robson Plaza, there are more artworks that brings out the visual and sensory touch for guests to experience first-hand. Personally, I find the artwork converge to be one of the more impressive artworks to combine laser and sound installation, with both visual and audial moments to demonstrate the creativity for patterns from our daily items. While another artwork, the Canopy, embodies the aurora borealis and salmon swimming which illuminates Robson Square is another personal favourite of mine, changing my perspective on seeing the plaza differently under the visual arts.
Most importantly, the Vancouver Art Gallery has also brought a few new artworks to put a spotlight during the event. One of which I find most meaningful is the painting mirror, where our photos are projected and transformed into the style of great artists. Even though the styles are generated by artificial intelligence, the presentation brings the awareness of using artificial intelligence and authenticity of artworks to point up a correlation between the two aspects doesn’t necessarily have to go up against each other.
Realizing this, the Lumiere Festival is a reminder of how art connects us, with each art piece turns the city into a canvas where everyone can take a break and look at the artworks together. Reminding myself, even in the darkest of days, creativity, community and curiosity can be brightened with expression of all forms of art.
Ben Chan kchan467@mybcit.ca