Hide and Seek with Light, a reflective art workshop
2024.12.19 Hu Lin + Xianyu Liu + Huangyi Lin
On 19 December 2024, Lighting Detectives returned to Shenzhen, promoting sustainable urban design and light pollution awareness through creative community art. Eighty participants from diverse backgrounds gathered in Lianhua Mountain Park and transformed into “light artists”.
After a five-year absence, on 2024 Dec. 19th, the Lighting Detectives returned to Shenzhen with a creative public event, Glow Shenzhen, claiming the First Gold Award in Glow Shenzhen 2024’s Infinite Illumination program.
Collaborating with China Academy Of Urban Planning & Design Shenzhen Branch and Shenzhen Illuminating Engineering Society, the workshop focused on combating light pollution and preserving natural darkness in urban environments. Eighty participants from diverse backgrounds gathered in Lianhua Mountain Park and transformed into “light artists” through hands-on experiments. Using adjustable handheld flashlight and reflective materials, we explored the delicate balance between illumination and darkness, crafting temporary art installations with eco-friendly red lighting.
Before the creative phase, organizers held a brief introductory lecture under the dome outlining the event’s core objectives. Our chief, Mr. Mende and Ms. Kasai shared the founding story of the Lighting Detectives and the past initiatives, particularly Shenzhen Nightscape 2030 event from five years ago. Attendees showed particular interest in signature programs such as Light Up Ninja, Night Walk and Children’s Workshop. At the end of the lecture, Mr. Lin Hu demonstrated the unique properties of different materials and guided participants through creative techniques.
During the workshop, participants were devided into several small groups and given three hours to create artworks. The methods of creation, materials used, and ways of presentation varied, offering a great deal of diversity. Through painting, pasting, and weaving, participants created unexpected and wonderful artworks. Even two artists specializing in paper cutting created stunning patterns. The passion of the participants exceeds anyone’s imagination.
When the artwork was finished, the sky began to darken, and we took a group photo under the twilight group by group.
In the end of creating phase, we each placed our works in the dark environment of Lianhua Mountain Park. Together, we explored and admired these beautiful artworks in the darkness. It became a part of the city’s public space, available for citizens to explore and enjoy.
This is the highlight which is a collaborative light-art masterpiece – an expansive scroll blending shadows and light. This interactive project not only demonstrated how responsible lighting can enhance urban aesthetics, but also encouraged participants to re-examine city spaces through creative play. The activity proposed fresh ideas for balancing urban development with environmental protection.
We also took a group photo in the dark, just like we did 5 years ago, during the Shenzhen Nightscape 2030 activity, in the form of the Lighting Detectives’ logo!
By merging art, ecology, and community co-creation, Hide and Seek with Light illuminated new pathways for sustainable urban design, earning recognition as a standout initiative in Glow Shenzhen’s Infinite Illumination program.
