iLight Singapore 2022: 10 Most photogenic light installations
You've seen some of these in our IG reels, but in case you need the still images, here are our top picks.
By Asih Jenie -
After a two-year hiatus, i Light Singapore returns to Marina Bay area with 20 mesmerising light installation by creatives from 14 countries.
Organised by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and presented by DBS, this year’s festival is themed Spark of Light, which highlights violet, the colour that has the shortest wavelength and most powerful electromagnetic energy in the visible light spectrum, and signifies the awakening of senses akin to the spark of an idea in one’s mind.
All 20 artworks, curated by a panel of experts, deserve appreciation. But in case you're gunning for the 'grams, and you haven't checked out our reels yet, here are our picks of the most photogenic ones.
Firefly Field by TOER (The Netherlands)
Where? The Promontory at Marina Bay
This is one of those installations that may not look much on still photography but looks breathtaking in person because of the movement.
The rhythm of blinking lights in this installation convincingly mimics the intermittent flashing pattern of fireflies, creating a spectacularly dreamy backdrop to your next best-liked video.
Keep on Moving by Ivana Jelić (Serbia)
Where? Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade
Belgrade-based architectural designer Ivana Jelić's Keep On Moving is an ode to running a form of exercise that helps maintain a balance of mental stimulation and physical fitness. Apt for its location.
The installation is also inspired by chronophotography, photography technique that layered several captured movements in a single frame to express motion. Many mannequins were dismembered for this, and the result is as fun as it is stunning.
Re-Act by Liang TaiLin, Isabella Meo Loo Yanshan – NUS Architecture (Singapore)
i Light Student Closed Call 2022
Where? Queen Elizabeth Walk waterfront steps
This is also one of the installation that must be captured in video to fully appreciate its dynamism.
Using the waterfront steps as stand in for rock formations, the students from NUS Architecture installed running LED lights that resembles pollutants like toxic dyes and untreated sewage flowing into the sea which inevitably destroys the marine ecosystem.
"This installation prompts us to rethink our relationship with water and sparks a sense of urgency in our battle against global environmental issues," says the artists' statement.
Plastic Whale by Feng Qiao, Craig Neo, Liao Qingshuang, Li Jianwen (Singapore | China)
Where? Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza
Infused with plastic wastes and scraps commonly polluting the ocean, this life-size inflatable whales highlights the plight of aquatic life that are struggling to survive in their increasingly polluted homes.
Step close into its mouth to hear the whale "breathe". You may only be there for pictures, but this sure is leave an impression that hopefully (at least) will change your attitude towards single plastic use.
Alone Together by Ping Lim, Ian Grossberg (Singapore | USA)
Where? Marina Bay Link Mall entrance
This installations is inspired by the HDB culture and our isolated living situations during the pandemic.
It depicts, in colourful cells, people's lives and tells stories that can resonate with anyone who has been confined to their homes at some point.
The installation is also interactive. Scan the barcode to make the "people" do what you want.
Light Canvas by Trial & Error (Singapore)
Where? In front of Red Dot Design Museum
The most interactive installation in the festival, Light Canvas comprises two cubes with coated with special finish that allows you to "paint" it using light.
The festival organisers provided several fun tools to "paint", but you can also use your phone's torchlight mode.
"Despite its playful and inviting elements, Light Canvas probes into several contemplative questions," says the artist's statement. "Is the short-lived nature of what we do worth the energy expended? What is the cost of our actions on the environment? What are we willing to give up for a more sustainable future?"
There will be scheduled art performances here.
MOTHEREARTH ClimateChange Data Sculpture by OUCHHH (Turkey)
Where? ArtScience Museum Facade
What's a light festival in Marina Bay without a video projection show on ArtScience Museum's iconic lotus-shaped building?
The striking imagery from this video projection derives from mundane data like local weather recordings along with other environmental statistics into an translated into moving lights, colours and sounds. It aims to draw attention to climate change issues.
Shish-ka-buoy by Angus Muir (New Zealand)
Where? The apex at The Promontory at Marina Bay
Made of fully recyclable marine buoys, this installation reflect light during the day and create a whirl of colours with spherical gradients when the night falls.
Standing close to four metres each, it also provide a perfect spot for a picnic, seen here during the media preview. We seriously got a bestie vibe envy from these two ladies.
Meet Me Under the Moon by One Bite Design Studio (Singapore | Hong Kong)
Where? Esplanade Park
It's such a simple idea, to recreate a glowing sphere that simulates the moon, but it works, especially because this one offers a seating after a walk through the festival route.
Inspired by the Mid-Autumn Festival, the installation was previously commissioned by the Harbourfront Commission of the Hong Kong Government and displayed at the Pierside Precinct at Wan Chai harbourfront during the Mid-Autumn Festival in 2021. Now it's here for you as a cool background for silhouetted pics, or a re-enactment of that ET scene, you choice.
Lightwave: Isle of Light, Empowered by OPPO
Where? A specially constructed floating pontoon on Marina Bay Lower Boardwalk, near Red Dot Design Museum (ticketed entry)
This special showcase by OPPO comprises four highly photo- and videogenic installations.
Through the Unknown is glowing triangular tunnel with changing colours that make for a grand entry.
The Seasons is a holographic mesh that projects an enchanting imagery of the four seasons (make sure you get the sakura shower).
Behind The Season's curving screen is the Forest of Lights, a stylised "forest" made of light tubes.
Reflection is an interactive installation that allows you to "paint" the LED canvas with your movement.
And finally, The Prism is there to satisfy all sci-fi fans out there by creating imagery straight out of Stargate using, well, prism.
Visitors are invited to step into a prism with walls that reflect animation from a LED floor depicting the galaxy. The kaleidoscope-like visual effect conveys the different expressions that give the world its colours.
You can take your picture here for a chance to win OPPO's photo contest. Prizes include a trip to London.
Weekday ticket - $8, weekend tickets - $10, bundle discounts available.
Jumptopia at Gastrobeats
We know, we know, this is technically not a light installation but oh, what a delightful fun, so we'll include this as the +1 on this list! And this bouncy ride at Gastrobeats is both for the young and the young-at-heart! And yes, you will want to take pictures here.
i Light Singapore 2022 will run till 26 June 2022, from 7.30pm to 11pm daily with extended hours to 12am on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission to the Festival is free, while charges apply for certain programmes.