On May 16th, we commemorate the International Day of Light, a date established by UNESCO to highlight the importance and countless possibilities that light offers to humanity. This day invites us to reflect on the fundamental role that light plays in our lives, as well as in the realm of art and design. From an artistic perspective, light is not only a means of expression but also a vehicle for conveying powerful messages and emotions. On this significant occasion, we have had the privilege of interviewing Eloi Maduell and Ben Busche to delve into the nuances of light usage in their works and explore how it can impact contemporary society.
Eloi Maduell
Visual researcher and co-founder of Playmodes Studio
Eloi Maduell merges his background in computer engineering with his passion for audiovisual creativity. With two decades of experience, he has been at the forefront of projects that explore the intersection between creativity and new audiovisual technologies. Inspired by human perception, creative programming, and abstract concepts of mathematics and physics, Eloi challenges the conventional limits of artistic expression.
On international Day of Light, what message would you like to convey through your art on this significant day?
Perhaps light as a symbol of hope, especially in the current context marked by shadows and darkness. In our culture, light can represent the possibility of a better future. Thus, the light of hope should be a thought of progress towards a just and dignified world for all living beings on the planet.
In what ways can light art contribute to improving contemporary society and culture?
It is a somewhat political question – and extremely delicate – because it appeals to social improvement, and I believe we should be clear that although art and culture have their capacity for social transformation, currently, the powers that be are the ones with the ability to improve contemporary society and culture. I think we should not be so naive and a little more realistic. In this ultra-capitalist world, if we want to transform society, we must fight against the hardships and injustices that ravage this world. Rather than proposing «artistic» actions to improve the world, we should think about what political actions as citizens we can take to try to improve the world. As long as the economy is not based on social and environmental values, the destruction of habitat and the enslavement of the majority of world society will always be on the agenda.
What aspects of light fascinate you the most as an artist and how do they influence your creative process?
I believe that we are beings who generally use our visual system to survive and navigate the world, which is why light, as an indispensable medium for our visual system, is so powerful. By playing with light, we directly influence what we see, which in turn affects our perceptions, beliefs, and ultimately, our identity. That is why I consider light to be an extremely powerful medium, as it has the ability to alter our perception of the world.
What do you believe is the most powerful emotional impact that light can have on an audience?
In our case, we work with light in a very abstract way, and rather than seeking a particular emotion, what we try to achieve is a powerful effect. Then each individual is a universe in themselves, and there will be people who react with one emotion and others with another. We don’t seek to condition emotions so much as transform perception; the emotional result seems to me to be entirely personal.
What advice would you give to individuals who are interested in exploring light art?
I consider it essential to learn to observe and experiment with the different alterations of perception that light allows. As mentioned earlier, light has the power to transform reality. Therefore, exploring personally how light modifies spaces, situations, or emotions we experience is an excellent way to begin to understand the power of light as a fundamental element of our perception of the environment. Our approach to exploration is very playful; we learn by playing and experimenting. To learn, it is necessary to try, make mistakes, and try again. By pursuing your dreams and passions, you can progress both in light art and in any aspect of life. Courage!
Ben Busche
Arquitecto y fundador de Brut Deluxe
Recognized for his innovative approach in architecture and design, Ben Busche has demonstrated great talent in creating unique atmospheric experiences that transform urban spaces. From ephemeral artistic interventions to industrial design and urban planning projects, Busche’s work spans a wide range of scales and disciplines, always standing out for his attention to detail and commitment to innovation.
On international Day of Light, what message would you like to convey through your art on this significant day?
The beauty of light art lies in its immaterial and ephemeral character. The installations we design focus on the atmospheric qualities of the space and the perception of the viewer as they move. We hope to evoke strong emotions that appear and disappear. We like the idea that our installations never exist as such, but can only be perceived and remembered.
In what ways can light art contribute to improving contemporary society and culture?
Light art has evolved in a few years from being an art of contemplation, of intimate relationship, rather minimalist and elitist, to an experience for the general public that is embodied in techno clubs, lighting festivals, immersive museums and sets of facades that act as video screens. In this change lie both its potential and the danger of an artistic drift towards mere spectacle.
What aspects of light fascinate you the most as an artist and how do they influence your creative process?
I am fascinated by everything related with the universe and quantum mechanics. Far from understanding it, I like the idea of working with such a magical and mysterious medium that is both particle and wave, massless material and pure energy transmitted through space.
Many of the light installations we create at Brut Deluxe are inspired by the vastness of space and the psychedelic beauty of the images of our universe and seek to convey this sense of vastness, immersion and infinity in an artistic, atmospheric way.
What do you believe is the most powerful emotional impact that light can have on an audience?
My strongest memories and emotions are all somehow linked to the specific atmospheric qualities of the space in which they occurred. Just as a certain smell or a piece of music often reminds us of an event, light and certain atmospheres not only create an immediate feeling, but also trigger memories and emotions. For me as a designer, light is what an instrument is to a musician – a magical medium with which one can manipulate and play with the viewer’s emotions.
What advice would you give to individuals who are interested in exploring light art?
I started with light art rather by casualty. Being an architect, we won a design competition for light installations. What interested me most was the possibility to create a certain atmosphere in space just with light. My interest and therefore my advice would be to focus on what you want to express than the “material” itself.
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