Curatorial
Statement
Light Art Biennial Austria 2010 - “Private
Art in Public Spaces”
I have been asked to consult the Light Art
Biennial for the country of Austria.
The Biennial is inspired by a similar Biennial, which will
be held in the Ruhrgebiet. The Austrian’s theme for the first edition of the
Biennial will be “Private Light in
Public Spaces”. The name a gentle teasing of the German
Light Art Biennial “Open Light in Private Spaces”
The name of the biennial describes the
technical medium being used could also be interpreted in another manner. Light
art – art without substance, this could be understood as unserious art. It could
also be interpreted in another way. Art without substance is art about the
immaterial. The object can be seen but never touched. But is it unserious? Milan
Kundera wrote a book called “The
Unbearable Lightness of Being” – And so comes the heavy part
of the project. Light is about life –
without light there is no life. The light of the sun fuels
the planet. Light is a symbol used in churches for life itself. Some catholic
churches begin their midnight Easter services in darkness. Then when the light
of the rising sun comes through the stained glass window the worshippers light
candles. The light then goes from one person to the next. This is how life and
energy works. The seed of the man impregnates the woman and thus begins a new
life. But the energy is there before. – the burning desire of the individuals
for each other – this energy is the fuel of life. When we look to the sun as for
example Olafur Eliasens: “Sun” at the Tate Modern we find calmness. We are
reassured that everything is all right. So is it with light art – we find a
space for solace and contemplation or just a pleasing view – whatever we find –
we are enriched – such is the nature of light art.
Linz is the perfect venue for a
departure into an area filled with light art. When you arrive in Linz by boat you are
greeted by several great examples of light art. Lentos Art
Museum and Ars Electronica Center each on their own side of the
Danube with light incorporated into their
facades. Lentos the older building and is probably the inspiration for the
facade of Ars is at night a pattern of blue light which at night with its
reflection in the Danube is absolutely beautiful. The Ars Electronica Center
with its every changing display is a real experience. But there are also other
lights incorporated in the architecture, which are truly pleasing to the eye.
The bridge across the Danube and is also worth
noticing. Thus the palate wetted and greeted by the city of Linz we can step off the boat and begin to explore the city
of Linz and the
artworks placed into the public spaces by the artists of the festival.
Peet
Thomsen
