Our intrepid, chilly-fingered photographer explores the illuminations of the annual light festival Lux Helsinki.
It is not uncommon for temperatures in January to dip below minus 20 degrees Celsius, yet this doesn’t stop the crowds from turning out for the annual Light Festival Lux Helsinki. The idea is to brighten up the city streets at the darkest time of the year, with light installations transforming the parks and façades of familiar landmarks.
Visitors this year can follow a “trail of light” that includes buildings, monuments and courtyards around Kruununhaka, the neighbourhood where Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral are located, and in the downtown core. The concept has evolved over its more than two decades of existence to embrace side events, including panel discussions on light and art, street food, and sound and light performances. Lux Helsinki installations can be viewed in 2022 from January 5 to 9.
Lux Helsinki shows a wide spectrum of light art*
Candy House by Sun Effects marks the beginning of the Lux Helsinki ‘trail’, adding spectacular and frivolous colour to the historic façade of the Ateneum Art Museum. Photo: Tim Bird
Surreal giant anglepoise lampstands comprise Lampounette by Tilt along the Esplanade Park. Photo: Tim Bird
“They were there,” by Alexander Reichstein, is a ghostly procession of historical figures along Sofiankatu. Photo: Tim Bird
During Lux Helsinki the sun is up approximately 6.5 hours per day so some extra light is needed. Photo: Tim Bird
Ilon kuvia (Images of Joy) is an interpretation of joy by eight different artists. The work is a shifting projection onto the surface of the Cathedral. Photo: Tim Bird
Ilon kuvia (Images of Joy) was created by artists from very different genres of art: they include photographer Stefan Bremer, photographer Eeva Hannula, painter Henna Jula, media artist Heta Kuchka, graphic artist Visa Norros, painter Maiju Salmenkivi, lighting designer Petri Tuhkanen and painter and comic book artist Katja Tukiainen. Photo: Tim Bird
Cloud, by Canadians Caitlind r.c. Brown and Wayne Garret, marks the junction between Annankatu and Kalevankatu. Photo: Tim Bird
Shader’s Megamap stops walkers in their tracks on the side of the Helsinki Cathedral Bell Tower. Photo: Tim Bird
Megamap opens the viewer's senses and stimulates the imagination, showing what lies beneath the surface of familiar things. The piece can be viewed without a break and will last seven minutes. Photo: Tim Bird
Light therapy to combat the “kaamos,” or polar winter, is available in Annantalo. Photo: Tim Bird
Lux Helsinki has grown into more than just a light show, and visitors are catered for along the route by street food vendors. Photo: Tim Bird
The Old Church Park in Bulevardi is transformed into a Lantern Park and Color Park by various artists. Photo: Tim Bird
*(Photos taken during Lux Helsinki in January 2016)
By Tim Bird
