1. ⁅ḾᏰ⁅ᖇ ᖇᾀḭṈ by Starlight Alchemy
The sparks generated represent catalysts of ideation and innovation, while the tower’s lotus-shaped petals symbolise the rebirth, purity and beauty of ideas flowing through space. (https://www.nightfestival.sg/nightlights/detail/ember-rain-by-starlight-alchemy)
Lighting up the city with their vibrant glow are the beautiful Night Light installations at the Singapore Night Festival. Electricity coursed through each and every installation, but there was one whose highlight wasn’t for its bright LEDs, but for its natural glow; the Ember Rain.
Created by Startlight Alchemy, this artwork allows for participants to pedal on a stationary bicycle, which acts as a method of transporting a small metal basket with a piece of coal inside. Once it reaches the top, the basket tips over, dropping the coal into the lotus-shaped fire pit(?). And the final result:
Pedaling away on the bicycle seemed tiring, and the height of the tower also meant that it took awhile for the coal to get up top, but the firey rain starts, it proves the participant’s harkwork indeed paid off.
2. T৸е lеАР ᠐բ բАiT৸ by Teng Kai Wei
Faith is taking that first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase, trusting that it will lead you to your desired destination. Oftentimes, we underestimate the importance of how every little step we take paves the way to a complete and fulfilling life journey. (https://www.nightfestival.sg/nightlights/detail/the-leap-of-faith-by-teng-kai-wei)
Another interactive installation I was attracted to was The Leap of Faith, which featured illuminated pressure plates that would mimic a rippling light effect whenever they were stepped on.
This installation was intended to allow the participants to experience finding their way towards their goals, taking literal leaps as they hop from pressure plate to pressure plate, maneuvering around the artwork. In addition to that, I’d like to think that having children like the one above being guided by their parents across the path gives adds to the meaning of the experience:
Although we take that blind leap of faith, we are never along; there will always be people willing to lend a helping hand along the way.
