“Some of the works are whimsical and flitting, ironic; some may be glimpsed at from a distance and in passing, some will require more time and interaction,” curator Jay Pather explains. “These experiences – of walking and pausing, catching a glimpse or settling down to absorb – invite us to be introspective, adventurous and playful in turn.”
Star attraction
A key work on display is In die sterre geskryf (“Written in the stars”) by Berco Wilsenach, produced in 2009 as part of a body of work called Project for the Blind Astronomer – an artistic investigation into different decoding systems with which our visible night sky can be mapped and explained to a visually impaired audience. The panels are lit from within, creating an effect of thousands of dots floating in midair. This creates an experience of endless space and an infinitive number of dots reflecting within each of the panels. This is the first time In die sterre geskryf will be exhibited outside, drawing upon the real stars above for an even more immersive artistic experience.
Opening ceremony
Join the opening ceremony on Saturday 8 or Sunday 9 December. Choreographed by Jay Pather, sound and light sculptures will be revealed as the audience follows the procession of performers across a multi-sensory, cross-cultural wonderland.
Expect to encounter excerpts from Stravinsky’s Firebird ballet, choirs, giant puppets, dancers in illuminated costumes and light projections in the bamboo forest.
Arrive early, and enjoy a light dinner before the procession starts:
• Pre-book a ready-made picnic hamper, ready for collection between 17.00 – 19.00 from the Spier Farm Kitchen,
• You can also create your own picnic from a selection of cold cuts, cheeses, salads, breads, pâté and dips from the Spier Farm Kitchen,
• Settle in for a farm-to-table feast at Eight Restaurant,
• Alternatively, Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery will be serving up ‘low and slow-smoked’ meats.
DATE:
Saturday, 8 or Sunday, 9 December 2018
REGISTRATION: Between 17.00 – 18:30
PROCESSION STARTS: 19.00
PRICE:
R580 per couple, includes 2 adult entry tickets, picnic dinner for 2 and a bottle of Spier wine
R200 per adult, includes complimentary glass of wine
R75 per child under 12
BOOKINGS: www.spier.co.za/events
The Spier Light Art Festival is one of Spier’s Growing for Good initiatives, which empower communities to create positive social and environmental change.