by Guo Yang, Levi J Parsons
SYDNEY, June 6 (Xinhua) -- A spectacular light exhibition designed by two Chinese artists has been charming Aussie audiences at this year’s Vivid Festival in Sydney.
Designed by Yang Lu and Liu Yang from Dance With Light Media Co., the eight-meter-long, four-meters wide masterpiece titled Bubble Magician, comprises hundreds of opaque polyethylene bubble balls that appear to float in mid air when they lit up.
Activated by the vibration and sound of a person's breath, the artwork is available for anyone to try and uses dynamic algorithms to create a new viewing experience for each individual user.
“The source of inspiration for this work comes from blowing bubbles as children,” Yang told Xinhua.
“We found that although people are divided by different regions, cultures and languages, they often have a common, original game like this when they are young.”
“So, we wanted to get this feeling of blowing bubbles back through our installation and bring back the most beautiful kind of memory and expression.”
But as well as creating a beautiful and moving artwork, Liu and Yang have also developed a technological marvel.
“We combined interactive software and sensory technology with lighting, which breaks down an inherent barrier of public art and technology,” Yang said.
“In order to ensure the stability of the artwork, we used a single chip microcomputer program, and wrote down the content of the software.”
“Different from other works on site, you will find that this work is running without a computer, it is completely offline.”
“Also in Sydney, sometimes there will be some complicated weather conditions, and the use of a single-chip microcomputer will be more stable and safe.”
Established in 2009 as a way to boost visitor numbers during the lowest point in the tourism season, the Southern Hemisphere's largest festival of light, ideas and music has now morphed into one of Australia's largest events.
With over 2.25 million visitors attending the three-week extravaganza last year, 2019's showcase features 50 light art installations designed by over 100 artists from over a dozen countries.
“I think Chinese artists have their own advantages and have their own characteristics.” Liu said.
“So Sydney is a good learning experience for us because in this process of creation, we can see the difference between different countries, different cities and different cultures.”
“Theses cultural and artistic exchanges are a very good opportunity for Chinese creators like us as well as other artists from around the world.”
Already featuring at other prominent events including the Lyon Festival in France and the Amsterdam Festival in the Netherlands, Liu said light art festivals can help bring a huge boost to the vibrancy of a city.
“In China, the night economy has been rapidly developing and the cities’ managers and governments are increasingly aware that the creation of the night scene has a very strong impact on the economy and the vitality of the city,” he said.
“So we can see that many cities in China are now starting to host their own light art festivals too.”
“So I hope I can communicate with more international artists here in Sydney and get them to bring their great artworks to China as well.”
Sydney's Vivid Festival runs from May 24 to June 15.
