30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Firefly-inspired light show at Gardens By The Bay's Supertree Grove
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SPARK makes its Southeast Asian debut at Gardens by the Bay – transforming the Lawn at Supertree Grove into a mesmerising spectacle for four nights.
Imagine – a myriad of fireflies dancing and shimmering on the lawn at Gardens By The Bay's Supertree Grove.
Preview of SPARK, an immersive light installation by internationally renowned Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde on July 30, 2025.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
For real? Well, maybe not, but a re-created experience is in store, with thousands of floating biodegradable light bubbles set to light up the night sky from July 31 until August 3.
The free light installation, SPARK, is the brainchild of Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde, and is a re-imagination of fireworks inspired by the fleeting beauty of fireflies.
SPARK is showing in South-east Asia for the first time and was developed by artist's Studio Roosegaarde over two years of research and prototyping, focusing on material innovation and environmental behaviour.
'Both fireworks and SPARK offer displays that draw our eyes to the sky — moments of light and wonder that bring people together in celebration. While traditional fireworks are a beautiful, time-honoured tradition, they naturally come with noise and byproducts. With SPARK, my aim is not to replace these traditions, but to offer an alternative that is gentler and inspired by nature. SPARK invites people to celebrate in a way that is quiet, poetic, and shared,' said Mr Roosegaarde.
The 'sparks' or bubbles are made of a custom-engineered biodegradable material designed to hover in open air, glow softly, and leave no residue. They are also non-toxic, both to humans and the environment.
SPARK is showing in South-east Asia for the first time and was developed by Studio Roosegaarde, led by the artist, over two years of research and prototyping, focusing on material innovation and environmental behaviour.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Light from seven projectors is reflected off the bubbles, causing them to glow. There are also 21 specially designed machines placed low to the ground to release the 'sparks', allowing air currents to choreograph their unpredictable movement, like fireflies at night.
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'My goal in creating SPARK is to inspire conversations on how we might relook at the way we celebrate — drawing inspiration from nature and exploring gentler, more sustainable approaches. SPARK invites people to experience wonder in a way that is quiet yet powerful, showing that technology and nature can come together to create moments of shared imagination.'
SPARK is jointly organised with IMBA, a new company that combines culture, technology and storytelling, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Singapore. This year is the 60th year of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Netherlands. It is also part of Gardens by the Bay's SG60 celebrations and was made possible with the support of GIC and community partner Tote Board.
Since its debut in Bilbao, Spain in 2022, SPARK has travelled to 12 cities, including London, Melbourne, Tokyo, and Riyadh, entertaining millions of visitors.
Since its debut in Bilbao, Spain in 2022, SPARK has travelled to 12 cities, including London, Melbourne, Tokyo, and Riyadh, entertaining millions of visitors.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Date and time: July 31 to Aug 2, 2025 from 8pm to 10pm and Aug 3, 2025 from 9pm to 11pm
Location: Supertree Grove Lawn at Gardens By The Bay
