In 2023, Vibhor Sogani introduced Amsterdam to his Pool of Dreams, consisting of 100 mirror-finished stainless steel jewellery. This installation was an instant hit at the Amsterdam Light Festival (ALF) 2023, featuring 20 diverse light artworks from both well-known and emerging artists. The theme then was ‘Revealing Art, AI and Tech’ and Sogani said he chose to take an optimistic outlook over the fears surrounding technology.
When ALF 2024 opened last November, Sogani was once again on the list of 27 artists. This time it was ‘Ritual’ in essence, and he chose to channel his memories of India’s festival of lights and his mother lighting lamps. Sogani transformed the Herengracht canal with his Deepam installation – 70 handmade lanterns in polished brass, reminiscent of the flickering oil lamps synonymous with Diwali celebrations. In the festival, which ends January 19, 2025, artists present diverse styles and experimental approaches, some of them large projections on historic buildings, some 3-D forms, where light plays gracefully on their surfaces. The lamps of Sogani shine together. More from the award-winning artist and designer, who is remembered for his Stainless Steel Sprouts installation (on AIIMS flyover) in Delhi:
With Diwali celebrations becoming mainstream across the world last year, was your Diya inspiration a foregone conclusion?
The brief for ALF 2024 revolved around creating a comprehensive artwork that would appeal to both local and international audiences. He was particularly interested in works that reflected cultural heritage while incorporating innovation in design and materials. I saw this as an opportunity to pay homage to the ancient Indian tradition of lighting lamps, while also showcasing the universal nature of this practice, which transcends cultures and brings warmth and positivity. The inspiration for this composition came from the memory of my mother, who used to light a lamp softly every evening. A simple act, yet filled with deep meaning. As a child, I didn’t fully understand the depth of this ritual, but over time, I began to see how it was quietly woven into the fabric of my life. This deep connection to such a humble, yet powerful ritual ultimately became the soul of the installation.
The lanterns extend over 100 meters of the canal. Tell us about the hidden challenges?
This entire process took about a year. The floating mechanism and flame-like lighting effects took six to seven months to get right. One of the main challenges was to ensure that the lantern remained stable despite fluctuations in the water level of the canal. To solve this, the ALF team built a sophisticated underwater structure similar to a buoyancy system to accommodate the rise and fall of water. It was a challenging but incredibly gratifying journey that blended technical ingenuity with artistic expression.
What has been the audience’s response to this installation? Is it visible in daylight?
People seem to connect deeply with this work because it is not abstract. It’s a tangible, relatable piece that evokes memories of Indian river ghats and rituals like Diwali. I recall a brief encounter with a local visitor who had recently visited the ghats of Varanasi. He stood in quiet amazement on the banks of the Herengracht Canal, deeply impressed by the illumination. What amazed me was how picturesque this installation remains, even during the day, under the Amsterdam sky. Despite the bright sunlight, the lanterns glow softly, maintaining their symbolic presence and adding a serene, almost ethereal quality to the space.
What was your first installation at ALF 2023 about?
Pool of Dreams was an ethereal light installation consisting of more than 100 stainless-steel orbs. This work explored the intersection of art, light and technology while addressing the growing role of AI and technological advancements in shaping our lives. It invited the audience to consider technology’s potential for positive change and its impact on our shared future. The installation was displayed at the Aarhus Festival, one of Scandinavia’s largest cultural events.
What is your message to visitors who are inspired to add some art to their landscape through lighting.
Creating art installations like this requires a balance of creativity and practicality. Consider the time of day and how light behaves in different conditions, whether it’s sunlight or under the night sky. Using materials that reflect light well and create a depth effect can improve the experience. Also, think about technical aspects, like keeping your lights safe and allowing natural movement in the space, as I did with floating lanterns.
Where can we see some of your impressive new installations this year?
In India, I will be exhibiting in Mumbai and Kolkata, and I am also working on a large permanent installation for a public space in Gujarat. Internationally, I have an event in London and two major public art projects in the UAE.
ALF commissioned Sogani to create 75 more lanterns, which are for sale in Amsterdam.
published – January 04, 2025 03:37 PM IST
