The Meaning of Light

The third and final event of our ‘Socialight’ series of events was the Meaning of Light which was held this week at ACMI in Fed Square.

We asked 7 (yes 7) people, whose backgrounds could not have been more different a simple question: “What does light mean to you?”

We heard from leading aboriginal artist and advocate Vicki Couzens about light in the context of dreamtime and her culture generally.

Then Shannon McGrath shared some beautiful images from her portfolio including some never before published new works which were sublime.

Then prolific visual artist Alexander Knox showed us some amazing images and movies of his work which is all about light in all its forms, natural, artificial, direct, reflected.

Monash University’s scientist Dr Tracey Sletten then blew us all away with her research into the effects of blue light on the human circadian system.

Next up was Kirsten Bauer, leader of Aspect Landscape Architecture studio who showed photos that demonstrate a profound appreciation of natural daylight, of shadows and the changes in light over time and the effect of this on landscape.

Marc Pascal showed us the inner workings of his mind as well as his workshop in giving us the back-story behind his wonderful lighting creations.

Finally architect, broadcaster and academic  Stuart Harrison concluded by taking us a whirlwind journey from 2001 A Space Odyssey, to houses from the Northern Territory to the south of New Zealand via Tron.

It one one of those magical nights where each and every one of the speakers were wonderful, their content extraordinary. The audience realised how special it was and was suitably engaged and appreciative.  Makes me smile to think of it; was certainly worth the effort to organise.

Shannon McGrath finds Nirvana