The Light in Winter

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June 2013

Nina Bertok

Now in its seventh consecutive year, the much-anticipated Light In Winter event has returned to Melbourne’s Federation Square where it will illuminate the city until June 30.

Acting as a laboratory where creative collaboration comes together, in 2013 The Light In Winter hosts the world premiere of one of the most striking sculptural endeavours to take place at Federation Square. According to director and arts luminary Robyn Archer AO, the festival brings together more than 20 of Victoria’s diverse communities, artists and designers through free events, exhibitions, film screening and forums, as well as the Solstice Celebration.

“There are numerous lighting festivals throughout the world and, following The Light In Winter’s first appearance in 2007, they are also springing up in Australia too,” Archer explains. “But none has quite the magic of this month-long celebration which has warmed the heart of Melbourne – so much so that winter no longer begins on June 1, but July 1 instead. The secret to its success is a unique combination of commissions from the very best lighting artists in the world and deep connections to the richness of Melbourne’s diverse cultural life.”

As one of the highlights of The Light In Winter, renowned lighting designer Bruce Ramus is set to feature his sculpture of steel and light, the Helix Tree, rising up from the centre of Federation Square. Constructed from 21 curved steel beams fitted with hundreds of LED lights, Ramus says his creation was inspired by the naturally occurring shape of the helix, using sound-responsive technology via which voices of Melbourne bring to life its unique and vivid light displays.

“I was inspired by the infinite flow of energy present in the shape of a helix,” says Ramus of his three-dimensional, 13-metre luminous steel lighting sculpture. “The Helix Tree is an interactive light sculpture, a symbol of strength and adaptability. The tree has an elemental power, without resistance, flowing with and in respect to Mother Nature. The strands of the Helix interweave but do not impose on each other and represent our individual contribution to communal harmony.”

Additional events as part of The Light In Winter celebration will include the Indigenous Campfire Program which will see fireside performances, workshops and story-telling from local Indigenous practitioners, as well as an extended Solstice Weekend from June 20 to 23 which will feature the retro playfulness of Yo Gobo and the traditional and much-loved Solstice Celebration on June 22 – a feast music, performance and food.

The Light In Winter 2013 takes place at Federation Square until June 30.

http://fedsquare.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Light-in-Winter-2013.pdf

Photos: Marcel Aucar