A New Wave: i Light Singapore Opens To Inspire Sustainability With 14 Captivating Artworks

i Light Singapore returned on June 1, 2023 with 14 captivating light art installations that transform Marina Bay into a visual playground where art, technology, and sustainability converge. Organized by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and presented by DBS, Asia’s leading sustainable light festival also features an exciting line-up of programmes to delight the senses and spark conversations on sustainability. 

Take A Glimpse At The Beauty And Fragility Of Nature’s Blue Spaces

This year’s edition features 22 artists from eight countries putting up a vibrant showcase curated to the Festival theme of A New Wave. Also inspired by the color blue, many of the artworks utilize sustainable materials and interactive approaches to spotlight nature’s blue spaces, like oceans and rivers, and invite visitors on a journey of discovery and reflection on their relationship with nature.

“Blumiwave” by local artists from DP Design, for example, feature ‘crashing’ sculptural waves made with common building materials such as scaffolding and safety nets that were salvaged from construction sites. This artwork aims to raise awareness of blue energy – an alternative renewable energy source harnessed from the sea and river waters. Over at “the things left unsaid” by student artist Brigette Teo from Nanyang Technological University’s School of Art, Design and Media, visitors can appreciate weaved sheets made with upcycled plastic bags that light up periodically. Teo drew inspiration from the phenomenon of bioluminescent algal bloom observed in Singapore last year, and hopes to convey both the comfort and unease arising from encounters with these beautiful and unusual occurrences in the waters around us.

Another interactive artwork is “Aquatics” by Berlin-based multidisciplinary artist Philipp Artus, where visitors can design their own sea creatures on a tablet and see them come to life in an animation projected before them. The artwork captures the beauty of biodiversity and reminds us of the importance of preserving marine ecosystems. 

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Experience Artworks That Blend Creative Expression And Sustainable Design 

The light festival also allows visitors to immerse themselves in a myriad of artworks that embody sustainable and innovative design to express pertinent social issues. “Tree Man” by ENESS, an award-winning Australian art and technology studio, for instance, features a pair of whimsical light sculptures, with each encircling a sapling in his arm and switching colors. The artwork symbolizes the balance that humans try to strike between connecting with the environment and our digital devices. On top of using energy-saving LED lights, the artist combined all technical elements of the artwork like speakers and sensors into one physical unit, so that the artwork can be efficiently transported and assembled, thereby minimizing carbon footprint. The inflatable fabric used will also be subsequently recycled and converted back to raw plastic and textiles for reuse.

Another unconventional artwork is “Moooooootion” by Thai design studio, XD49. This sustainable multi-functional piece makes use of easily reusable scaffolding and a vinyl projection screen and doubles as a stage at GastroBeats, i Light Singapore 2023’s Festival Village. Conceived as a playful counterpoint to the stillness and confinement resulting from past COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, the installation celebrates social connections and interactions through colors and music.

Marvel At The Ingenuity Of Local And International Artists 

Apart from talented local artists, i Light Singapore 2023 also features the works of renowned international names, including Turkish-American media artist Refik Anadol, who presents “Glacier Dreams,” a large-scale projection on the façade of ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands. Regarded as a pioneer in the aesthetics of data and machine intelligence, Anadol’s artworks have been exhibited on six continents across 50 cities worldwide. His artificial intelligence data paintings were recently featured as part of the set design of the 65th Grammy Awards, and impressed with visuals originating from 300 million photographs of nature and long-term research on the photographic history of space exploration. Closer to home, award-nominated Malaysian artist Jun Ong, showcases his latest minimalistic yet impactful light sculpture, “Prism” at “Millenia Walk.” 

Immerse In Exciting And Experiential Programmes 

When visiting the light festival, visitors are also in for a gastronomic and musical treat at GastroBeats, the Festival Village at Bayfront Event Space that offers the rich diversity of local culture. Here, they can enjoy cuisines served by 50 homegrown food and beverage vendors; groove to live performances by talented local musicians; or delight in fun-filled carnival favorites and bouncy castles. The DBS zone also features interactive experiences and instagrammable visual installations designed around themes such as self-care, sustainable living, and being future-ready.

Those keen on deepening their festival experience can participate in Light Forum, a series of talks and a workshop conducted on the first weekend of the Festival by lighting designers and participating artists of i Light Singapore 2023. These will cover topics ranging from the future of nightscapes, sustainable lighting design to lighting strategies that enhance well-being and human connections. Visitors can also sign up for guided tours conducted by Let’s Go Tour Singapore to find out more about the creative stories, ideas and fun facts behind the delightful artworks.

While exploring the Marina Bay area, visitors can bask in the tranquil ambience contributed by blue hues that are emitted from key landmarks as part of Light Wash, a collective light-up that complements the light art installations. 

Jason Chen, Festival Director and Director (Place Management) of URA said: “We are thrilled to present the ninth edition of i Light Singapore, featuring a delightful array of artworks and programmes that will captivate and inspire festival goers. We look forward to welcoming everyone once again at Marina Bay, as we illuminate the cityscape and ignite conversations about our collective responsibility and actions to build a more sustainable future.”

i Light Singapore 2023, presented by DBS, will run until June 25, 2023. It is open from 7:30pm to 11:00pm daily with extended hours to 12:00am on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is free, while charges apply for certain programs. 

Photos Courtesy of i Light Singapore