Light/ 光

LIGHT CHI WO/荔枝光

Theme

Light is not only a key component of the landscape but it also carries multiple cultural meanings. Light can be from two origins, natural and artificial. Most land artists work with natural light. Light in the landscape could result from the sun, but also from the stars, the moon or the sky. Artists like Charles Ross with Star Axis (NM, USA, 1971) or James Turrell with Elliptic Ecliptic (Cornwall, UK, 1999) exposed the relationship between light and cosmology through the manipulation of the environment. Through art installations sun light has become a tangible material which artists either reveal (frames and windows), block (shadows), or redirect (reflection and mirrors). Artificial light is often used in art as a symbol of modernization and progress. Artists like Dan Flavin are pioneers in using artificial lights in art installations.

Light must be understood as a revealer of the landscape as well as a material of the past, present and future of Lai Chi Wo.

Sky is a giant canopy where sun light expands. Contrast between night and day being the most perceivable, we rarely pay attention to the gradient of light the sky offers. Since Lai Chi Wo is a secluded village with no high rise building and glowing signboard allowing us to observe natural light and the sky, our group was interested in exploring the colour variance of the sky at various sites in Lai Chi Wo. Because natural light is so different at various locations, we chose to document the incidence of light across the village to share its experience with visitors.  Pictures of the sky were regularly shot simultaneously at five different sites producing a series of photographs combining the light and features of Lai Chi Wo. This aims to provide people a sublime experience of nature as well as to raise their understanding of natural light through the appreciation of the sky.

Concept

ART CONCEPT
Before going to Lai Chi Wo, what excited our group the most was the opportunity to appreciate sunrise and sunset. Upon arrival at the pier, the glittering sea immediately caught our eyes. As we walked around the village, no high-rise building could be seen. We found that the alleys between houses were good places to observe the changing paths of sunlight and shadows.

The sky in Lai Chi Wo was particularly impressive, and became the focus of our artwork. Inspired by artist James Turrell, who has done numerous art installations in relation to the movement of the skylight at different times of the day, we attempted to do something similar, something that would compliment the sky. In addition, we would also like to engage with the site by finding different ways of framing the sky within the existing environment. Through this process, we discovered ways to frame the sky is framed that were exclusive to Lai Chi Wo. The dilapidated roof of an abandoned house, the courtyard of a temple, and the canopy of leaves all became apertures that allow light to enter and be captured on our cameras. Another phenomenon of light – reflection – is also incorporated into our work. These reflections include moments such as when the sea acted as a mirror to reflect the sky in a very distinctive way.

Not only do these five series of photos reveal the color variance of the sky in Lai Chi Wo, they also reveal the beauty of this reclusive place which is under sheltered existence. While objects like abandoned houses and leaves may be elements that are not worth noticing and appreciation, they do play significant roles in the photos by acting as frames of the sky.

Finally, we would also like to raise people’s understanding of the relationship between light, nature, and themselves through our installation. The sky OF Hong Kong is often not appreciated by its people, owing to the city’s high density of and busy way of life. We would like to encourage people to connect more with nature by spending more time at reclusive places like Lai Chi Wo to experience natural elements such as light, which everyone always take for granted.