OBSERVER: Lightscape
The wonderful night time transformation of Melbourne ‘s botanical gardens into the dazzling sound and vision extravaganza that is Lightscape returns with a whole new show this year.
If you’ve not been before, Lightscape is a series of over twenty different installations set up on a walking trail which winds its way through the gardens for a little over two kilometres. These installations take many different forms.
On an open expanse of lawn Effervescence, created by the UK company Culture Creative, consists of thousands of balls of LED light that flash on and off while changing colour, creating kaleidoscope patterns and forms.
In the garden’s lake, Water Stories is created by a variety of indigenous artists in collaboration with the Torch Project and Novak creative studio.
The installation consists of a range of indigenous motifs depicting native animals (such as yabbies, platypus, Murray cod, etc) that are projected onto the mist created by the lake’s fountains. The effect is truly mesmerising.
These are just two examples of some astounding pieces of brilliant work from both local and international artists.
The works they have created, sensitively shaping environments and atmospheres through the artistic sculpting of light and sound, give the audience immersive experiences and a totally novel perspective on the gardens.
It is unfortunate that credits for the soundscapes that are part of each installation were not available; sometimes the music used is a recognisable hit from popular musicals, others might be original compositions.
However, while not easily identifiable, their impact is as they are important elements of each installation.
Importantly, as you walk along the trail there are stretches of space free of any sort of installation. These spaces help to both demarcate each work and also afford the audience a breather from what might be an overwhelming experience.
While not cheap, Lightscape is worth visiting for a truly one-of-a-kind joyous experience and a celebration of what the human imagination is capable.
Venue: Royal Melbourne Botanical Gardens, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
Dates and times: Running until August 10 with entries in 15 minute increments starting at 5.15pm
Duration: Walking the trail takes approximately 90 minutes
Multiple ticketing options are available: see rbg.vic.gov.au/melbourne-gardens/whats-on-melbourne/lightscape/
Bookings: rbg.vic.gov.au/melbourne-gardens/whats-on-melbourne/lightscape/
Review by Peter Murphy