let there be light….

Each year between November and January Amsterdam becomes the stage for one of the most exciting and important international light art festivals — the Amsterdam Light Festival. This year marks the eighth edition of the festival and this year’s theme is “Disrupt!”. Artists from around the world will interpret the topic of disruption through the use of light art in a unique way to be disruptive and give us new impulses.

We often think of disruption as something inconvenient and negative, the result of conflicts wars, chaos. Yet disruption has also a positive side, it is often the catalyst for change think of the disruption brought about by blockchain, the anti-plastic movement and the rise of social society involvement. Disruption is often essential to trigger the need for change to take place.

The topic reminds me of a video work I had done two years ago as part of my masters in Digital Arts. It's based on a quote by George R.R. Martin:

“Chaos isn’t a pit. Chaos is a ladder. Many who try to climb it fail, and never get to try again. The fall breaks them. And some are given a chance to climb, but refuse. They cling to the realm, or love, or the gods…illusions. Only the ladder is real. The climb is all there is. But they’ll never know this. Not until it’s too late.”

Pain, frustration, sickness, and death, are essential features of human reality and our situation in the world, our ultimate significance, and our ability to manage the human condition. As an existential artist, I believe that chaos is an integral part of human existence but I also believe that we also have the responsibility to create effective actions that transform society and the world in a better place.

Looking forward to visit “Disrupt!”