We’ve been fascinated with LUX Helsinki since we got wind of it two years ago. I mean, who doesn’t like light shows? And the idea of making something brighter when it’s too dark is just plain common sense. We set our stage on the dark wintry streets and avenues of Helsinki in January when the Finnish capital sees fewer than six hours of daylight. From the 4th of the month until the 8th, beautiful artistic light creations will dot the city center brightening the lengthy night skies. If you love winter celebrations, get ready to prolong the holidays with 150,000 visitors from across the globe.
LUX Helsinki brings art to Helsinki’s streets free of charge. This annual festival is for families, friends, and entertainment seekers. The event’s artistic director, Markku Uimonen, says, “LUX Helsinki is the biggest light-related event in the Nordic and Baltic regions. Having grown exponentially, it’s starting to make a splash internationally. One ofthe main objectives is to promote meetings and sharing of experiences between Finnish and international artists.”
Light and media artists along with sound designers from Finland, Germany, France, Belgium, and Japan will display their amazing artistic creations in 13 conveniently located spots around town. The installations can be viewed daily and continuously from 5 to 10 pm.
This year’s LUX Helsinki will be a combination of old and new. Seven of the works are being commissioned for the first time, but familiar works from the 2014 Lux IN exhibition will be displayed in Tori Quarters, Helsinki’s center where the old city meets the modern hub. Lantern Park, an extremely popular exhibit featuring unique lanterns dispersed throughout a park, will relocate to the grounds of the University of Helsinki in honor of its 375th anniversary. LUX Helsinki 2015 is also placing special attention on audience participation with a piece called Water Light Graffiti, by Antonin Fourneau. A surface made of LEDs will be illuminated when it comes into contact with water. Visitors can create water light graffiti with a brush or a finger. Sounds cool!
Fire Circus Walkea, a tremendously popular Finnish-German troupe, will present a circus of dance and fire in Senate Square. The group’s show will explore fire-art from modern dance perspectives and will be choreographed by contemporary circus artiste Cristiana Casadio. Note that these performances will have set times.
It all sounds fantastic, right? We’re betting the 2015 LUX Helsinki will be tripping the light fantastic!
More information about the artists and locations can be found in LUX Helsinki’s Program of events.