In 2008 Fed Square gives us two more bright reasons to rug and up and head for the city. The Light in Winter, a new light-based event will bring together artists, designers and communities to explore their ideas of light, enlightenment and hope. In 2008 The Light in Winter will present two elements:When Gods Came Down To Earth – a commission from international artist and film maker Srinivas Krishna; and
The Gift of Light – nine Melbourne communities working with artists on the theme of light.
These installations, along with the whole Square, will be bathed in a warm winter glow created by lighting designer Nathan Thompson of The Flaming Beacon.
When Gods Came Down To Earth by Srinivas Krishna will have its world premiere at Fed Square on June 12. The artist invites visitors to contemplate the beauty of sacred images of Hindu Gods, the meaning of their ritual function and the power of their magical aura. Presented on Fed Square’s recycled big screen, When Gods Came Down To Earth will be on public display for four weeks, running continuously 24 hours a day.
Born in India and educated in Canada and the US, Krishna first came to notice as the writer, director, producer and star of the international hit Masala (1991). He has produced subsequent films that have premiered in the Official Selection of the Cannes Films Festival (Lulu 1996) and the International Film Festival of India (Forever 1999).
And then on 21 June, nine of Melbourne’s diverse communities will bring more light to winter and the Square, The Gift of Light – an event celebrating light and enlightenment. As dusk falls in Melbourne, these communities including Indigenous, Japanese, African, Indian, Burmese, Chilean, Turkish, Vietnamese and Afghani will share their Gifts of Light, the result of working with an artist to create contemporary interpretations of the meaning of light from their culture. Each group will install a piece of light inspired art – their gift. Melbourne’s community is invited to share in this celebration with music and performance – on the Winter Solstice – the longest night of the year.
From June 5 to July 5 Fed Square will be transformed by Light and invites visitors to share the warm glow.
Source: http://www.fedsq.com.au
