This Is London - 31 January 2020

LIGHTOPIA MAKES LONDON DEBUT
AT CHISWICK HOUSE
Lightopia makes its London debut at
the stunning Chiswick House and
Gardens until 1 March, inviting visitors
to become Lightopians and explore the
interactive and immersive city of light
and stories. The handmade, silk
installations combine ancient techniques
of Chinese lantern making with modern
technology to create a magical new
world, with the theme for this year’s
inaugural event being ‘Harmony.'
The event will feature acrobats,
musicians and 47 groups of light
installations, including the Tree of Light
centrepiece – a 10m tall sculpture,
surrounded by 20 drums, which
Lightopians use to change the tree's
colours illuminating the night sky,
ensuring an ever-changing installation
which allows visitors to become a part of
the artistic experience.
Elsewhere, a stunning 18m peacock
will synchronise with music, as light
pulses through its wings in time with the
beat. And a breathtaking field of 70,000
individual roses will flicker and blaze
across an expanse of land. Other
installations include buttons on the floor
which create light shows when stepped
on; paths of wintry flowers and an
interactive Zodiac Sign piece.
The Keys of Life piece invites guests
to walk through illuminated, keyholeshaped
doors, while the Rainbow Tunnel
and Angel Wings provide the perfect
backdrop for Instagram-ready
photographs.
Chiswick House will also play a key
role in the exhibition, as state-of- the-art
3D video mapping creates a visual
masterpiece across its grand exterior,
bringing the story of Lightopia to life.
The festival will incorporate street food
stalls, licensed bars and a kid’s zone
where children can enjoy a fairytale
world of candy, flowers and rides.
Ian Xiang, Creative Director of
Lightopia, says: 'We have designed a
world in which light, sculpture and art
combine with traditional, Chinese
lantern-making techniques to create
something London has never seen
before – a world where guests are not
just invited to view the show, but to
become a vital part of it. Many of the
exhibits will react differently depending
on who is manipulating the lights, so the
experience will change from person to
person, night to night. Lightopia is a
celebration of techniques old and new,
of art and design and of course, the
people who come to experience it. We
are inviting visitors to become a part of
Lightopia and help create art as you
move around the beautiful gardens of
Chiswick House.'
The installations have been designed
by contemporary artist, Ava Moradi, with
a mission to create an immersive artistic
experience for visitors of all ages.
Moradi has exhibited and created art and
installations internationally for over ten
years. She is a UK based artist who lives
and works with one foot planted firmly in
Europe and the other in Asia.
Ava’s artistic practice is inclusive of
many mediums; she creates two
dimensional and three dimensional
installations around the world that
explore the concepts of possibility and
potential. The dynamics created by the
participation of the audience with the
pieces allow for a rich social experience
within a contemplative ambiance.
She adds: ‘All of the pieces explore
this year’s theme of Harmony, which is
central to the world of Lightopia. Visitors
must work in harmony to control the
pieces, and each installation is loaded
with stories and symbolism exploring
this powerful theme.'
For further details on the Festival and
opening times, visit the website at
www.lightopiafestival.com
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