For the fifth year in a row, Illuminate Festival has opened in Adelaide to shake off the cold winter chills. The opening night of Night Visions in the leafy Botanic Gardens was an ethereal adventure. Illuminate Adelaide Co-founders and Creative Directors Lee Cumberlidge and Rachael Azzopardi have assembled a team of artists including Chris Petridis, Robin Fox, Craig Walsh, and Amelia Kosminsky; these light and vision artists have created a maze of virtual possibilities.
The guided path, lit by fairy-lights as it weaves through the Garden, has dramatic pauses along the way. The first “event” has indigenous faces projected onto giant trees. With a deep guttural soundscape, we journey into the soul of the earth, amongst living trees and the disembodied custodians of the sacred Kaurna land. The artwork has cultural significance thanks to respected elder Jack Bucksin‘s input.
With pieces as diverse as a futuristic wasteland, a fairy wonderland garden and a lighted tunnel, there is a new adventure literally just around the corner. The walk is mainly on paved surfaces, but any loose paths are still quite comfortable and solid underfoot. There were several people using mobility aids who appeared to be enjoying the stroll. Although it’s important to dress warmly as the evenings are chilly, the lights, clouds and tree cover seemed to keep a little of the warmth in, so it was quite pleasant. There is a convenient pop-up food and wine bar about halfway for those who would like to take a break. My advice would be not to rush it and let the natural ebb and flow of the attendees to swirl around your personal experience.
The trails winds through the Conservatory, and has been given the light and laser treatment, which works perfectly amidst the mature tropical foliage. The space lends itself to this type of event, such as last year’s Chihuly exhibition. It’s fascinating that each piece of artwork stands alone, yet blends seamlessly into the whole.
Overall, it’s a very satisfying hour or so of immersive light and soundscapes, that had people from young to old, spellbound and mesmerised. It’s a good reason to head out of the house on a chilly evening. It really does bring a patch of light to a dark and chilly winter city.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Illuminate Adelaide has a massive programme of events, from the ten-minute dance parties next door to the free North terrace lights. Kids can see dinosaurs at the Zoo with Universal Kingdom. There’s a massive aerial drone show at Adelaide Oval. Unsound is back including a performance from the legendary John Cage. There are sensory food experiences. So much more. Check out the programme on their website.
All photos provided by the author
