Dazzling Art in the Sky over Vancouver

Blazing sunsets and dazzling light shows have lit up the skies over Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Olympics.  From Science World,  a fiery sunset bathes all of False Creek with a bright tangerine glow, silhouettes on one side the Olympic Village, on the other side, the high-rises of Yaletown.

At Robson Square fireworks burst above the heads of the celebrating crowds and a laser light show flashes bright colours to light up the Square.  This light show happens each night at 9.30 by the GE Ice Plaza.

Down at English Bay the night sky dances with rays of lights from a massive light show that can be seen for more than 15 kilometers away.  Vectorial Elevation is one of the world’s largest interactive art works.  It’s the creation of art in the sky by Mexican artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer who is based in Montreal.  The choreography of lights is projected from twenty robotically controlled 10,000 watt Zenon lights installed at Vanier Park and Sunset Beach, changing patterns every ten seconds. 

The display is interactive.  You can go on-line and design your own light show by using a virtual model of Vancouver.  You’ll be alerted by email as to when your design will be sown and you’ll receive an email with photos of your design.

Vectorial Elevation was originally commissioned for the centenary celebration of Mexico City and has since been shown at other spots around the world, including Lyon’s Trophee des Lumieres during the UN world Summit of cities in 2003, and Dublin Ireland.  Lozano-Hemmer is an electronic artist who uses new and custom-made technologies to develop these large-scale interactive installations in public spaces.  He calls them ”temporary anti-monuments for alien agency”

The Vectorial Elevation light show starts at dusk each night and runs through until February 28.  You can view it best close to the spotlights at either Sunset Beach or Vanier Park.

PHOTOS by W. Ruth Kozak