Come 'to gather' at i Light for illuminating giant humanoids, fiery displays and more

New Paper

4 days ago

Anchored on the theme "To Gather", Asia's leading light festival i Light Singapore is returning for its 11th edition from May 29 to June 21.
This year's festival will feature 17 new installations by 20 artists at Marina Bay, South Beach and for the first time, new sites along the Singapore River and at Raffles Place.
"As we celebrate SG60 this year, it is apt that the theme for i Light Singapore 2025 puts the spotlight on the power of collective action," said Urban Redevelopment Authority chief executive Lim Eng Hwee.
Festival director Jason Chen shared that i Light Singapore is a testament to how partnerships can transform urban spaces into meaningful destinations.
"By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise from artists and stakeholders, we have created an experience that welcomes people to not only gather, enjoy and connect, but also be inspired in taking collective action to shape a more sustainable future and lead greener lifestyles."
Here are highlights from i Light Singapore 2025 you should not miss.
Fantastic Planet - What's That
Located at Mist Walk at Marina Bay. TNP PHOTO: SEAH JUN DE
Fantastic Planet - Comfort
Located at Waterfront Promenade at Marina Bay. TNP PHOTO: SEAH JUN DE
Fantastic Planet - Over
Located at Red Dot Design Museum. TNP PHOTO: SEAH JUN DE
Think Smiski minifigurines that Gen Z has been crazy over, but way larger than that. Fantastic Planet by Amanda Parer of Australia is a series of three installations - What's That, Comfort, and Over - featuring three glowing humanoid figures in different poses observing its surroundings.
The works use scale to highlight humanity's impact on Earth - how mankind demands more than its share.
Sign
Located at The Promontory at Marina Bay. TNP PHOTO: SEAH JUN DE
Building on the concept of fires commanding attention and captivating us to gather around it, this grand display of 'flames' is made from bamboo poles covered with reflective aluminium tape.
This optical illusion by Paul Vendel and Sandra de Wolf of The Netherlands gathers us to reflect on how endings can pave the way for new beginnings.
Urban Oracle
Located at the Pontoon near Red Dot Design Museum. TNP PHOTO: SEAH JUN DE
Presented by Alibaba Cloud, 24 illuminated letters that can be triggered by buttons along the boardwalk are suspended along the pontoon's edge.
When pressed, light pulses through the letters to display AI-generated messages inspired by Singapore's past, present and future.
Playing on the idea of oracles and divination, Italy-based design studio Ultravioletto examines how today's society turns to algorithms for guidance.
Embrace
Located at Event Square, Marina Bay Sands. TNP PHOTO: SEAH JUN DE
A circle of life-sized silhouettes by Australian-based light art studio Beamhacker come alive through human touch, displaying camouflaged patterns that represent the four services of the Singapore Armed Forces.
Presented by Defence Collective Singapore, visitors can stand among the silhouettes and connect their hands with the figures. Upon conjoining all figures, a symphony of light and sound will be revealed.
This is Not a Screen
Located at South Beach Avenue, Level B1. TNP PHOTO: SEAH JUN DE
Created by a group of Master of Architecture students from the National University of Singapore and presented by Aedas, this artwork uses polarised screens recycled from devices to alter light.
As the screens are rotated, light is distorted to create unique perceptions of the monolith, similar to how invisible algorithms filter our worldview.
i Light Singapore 2025 will be held from May 29 to June 21, 7.30pm to 11.00pm daily, and extended to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Admission to light installations is free, while charges apply for certain programmes. For more information, visit www.ilightsingapore.gov.sg.