Issue 009: Lighting ft. Frankie Boyle

Issue 009: Lighting ft. Frankie Boyle

Letter from the Curators

Light is a universal symbol in nearly every religion, celebrated as the essence of—and fundamental to—life itself. The Big Bang marked the universe's beginning with an explosion of energy, light piercing through darkness.

Light and darkness hold strong philosophical meaning for us as well. It can feel, when the world is suffering, as though we are collectively plunged into darkness, all fumbling around searching for the light switch. Thus, the metaphorical and expressive use of light becomes all the more important.

Our quest for light symbolizes our search for understanding and a brighter path forward. Politics aside, our collective search for the light must be agreed upon for healing to be done.

After a brief hiatus, we are returning with a focus on healing and hope.

It may seem surprising that we choose something so basic as our theme for this issue. Yet, this most basic element remains an underutilized source of inspiration and expression. This week, we've chosen a brilliant artist who fundamentally sees light in a different way. She uses light as language to transcend typical barriers, offering new perspectives and insights. We hope you'll dive deep into our interview with Frankie Boyle, it's illuminating.

Thank you for joining us,
Lee & Dorothy


Featuring

Transcending a speech and language disorder, Frankie Boyle transforms her challenges into an luminous creative power, redefining our understanding and relationship with light and emotion.

She shared about her beginnings,

I was born with a speech and language disorder known as DLD (Developmental Language Disorder) and I really struggled with the processing of language.

and continuing,

My connection with light was actually pointed out by a tutor at University while appraising my work. “‘You do realise everything that you do is connected to light”. He was right…it was literally a ‘light bulb moment’. All of my projects involved light, glass or reflection and emotion in some way.

And she goes on to paint a larger picture,

True interactivity in art should evoke a physical and emotional connection, creating depth and a sense of presence that goes beyond visual input alone.

Brighten your day:

The "Living Lantern" encourages the audience to reach a meditative state through its perceived controlled breath.

Lighting Curated

If you enjoy our featured artist, here are other projects you might like:

"Nebula," a captivating site-specific installation by Quiet Ensemble with music by Giorgio Moroder, featuring 400,000 stars that transformed the Gazometer in Rome into an intergalactic space.

Nidum by Splaces Studio, is a light and sound installation made of 8,000 willow branches and 450 meters of LED strips, inspired by nest weaving patterns and programmed to respond to ambient sounds.

Lachlan Turczan's work, shaped by his upbringing in the arid landscapes of Los Angeles, beautifully explores the interplay of water, light, and sound, highlighting water's dual role as a precious resource and a transformative medium.

In the latest show "Sol Invictus," choreographer Hervé Koubi seamlessly intertwines dance, theatre, and lighting by Lionel Buzonie to create enchanting moments that transport audiences through a journey of vitality and poetic expression.

404.zero is an avant-garde artist collective known for their immersive audiovisual installations that merge cutting-edge technology with abstract visual art to create transformative, sensory experiences.

"Whispers," a collaboration between artists Aliya Orr and Sakchin Bessett, harnesses wind, light, and sound to create an ethereal experience.


Timely

News, tools, and launches you should know about.

🎤
Josh Goldblum has launched a new website for Futurespaces - a wealth of amazing content.
👟
ON is making waves with their new shoes.
📖
The World Experience Organization has released the first part of their reflection on the recent World Experience Summit.
👓
Apple reportedly cuts Vision Pro production due to low demand.
🚗
Waymo wants to bring robotaxis to SFO.

Divergent Inspiration

We believe some of the most powerful inspiration comes when we least expect it. Each week we'll share something that has us excited, outside of our normal source of material.

The NeverEnding Story

I'm incredibly excited about Disney's upcoming remake of "The NeverEnding Story," a movie that was a cornerstone of my childhood and sparked so much imagination in so many people. The original 1984 film holds a special place in my heart, with its fantastical world of Fantasia, the brave young warrior Atreyu, and the lovable luckdragon Falkor. It was this movie that introduced me to the wonders of storytelling and adventure, igniting a lifelong passion for fantasy. The timeless themes of hope, courage, and the power of imagination left an indelible mark on me, making it a treasured memory from my youth.

I’m beyond eager to see how the remake will balance nostalgia with innovation and contemporary themes that resonate with today’s audience. While honouring the core message of the original about the importance of storytelling and boundless imagination, this new adaptation has the potential to introduce "The NeverEnding Story" to a whole new generation of dreamers, rekindling the magic that made it a beloved classic.

-Dorothy

Burning Man

It's the time of year again where most of my free time goes towards preparing for Burning Man. And this year is special because I'll be tying the knot and bringing a couple of dozen "virgins" for their first burn.

I love sharing meaningful experiences with others, and Burning Man has completely changed my life. More than a festival, it's a temporary city. An experiment. It's a collective question: what would happen if we could start from scratch, using an economy not built on capital but on effort; not rooted in fear, but in love; not based on judgement, but acceptance?

Send me a note if you'll be out there this year, I'd love to invite you to my wedding.

-Lee


This newsletter is brought to you by
Lee Billington & Dorothy Di Stefano.