11th edition of Amsterdam Light Festival

During the eleventh edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival, you will be taken into the world of imagination.

We have all experienced in recent years that the world around us is temporary and can suddenly be completely different. But especially then, when everything around us is moving and nothing seems self-evident anymore, we need the power of our imagination. With various festival experiences, you get the chance to escape the reality of everyday life for a while. The Amsterdam Light Festival is a journey that you really have to experience yourself. Of course, we highly recommend a visit!

Credits for the beautiful picture goes to @janusvdeijnden

Breitner Academy: Amsterdam University of the Arts

For edition #11, Breitner students Priya Saktoe, Sorella Loman, and Yoeki de Ruyter created a light artwork about the influence of river crayfish in Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Did you know that the crayfish was imported and released by professional fishermen and can now be considered a permanent resident of Amsterdam? Yes, that American red swamp crayfish is here to stay.

To Merge

The biotope in which the river crayfish now resides appears to be a utopia. See it as a (cultural) assimilation process; cultures will continue to merge, and a new society will emerge both above and below the water. Hence the students’ To Merge theme.

Just like in previous years, the artwork of the Breitner Academy can be seen on the Schippersgracht opposite Central Station. Make sure you take your time… because the crayfish are very popular!

Production process

We started working with the first sketches of Youki, Sorella, and Priya. We created an initial 3D model, and together with the ladies, we adjusted it step by step in close consultation. The claw-torso ratio of the model is based on something the river crayfish does to protect itself. It stands on its hind legs and sticks out its arms. Did you know that the entire development of the artwork could be followed via Instagram?

Eventually, we put the crayfish into production. The lights used in the artwork come from the Amsterdam Light Festival itself.

LED lighting

When designing the crayfish, internal loops and zippers were taken into account to neatly apply the LED lighting. Publi Air mounted all the lighting and delivered the crayfish ready for use. The LED lighting can be controlled via DMX technology by the Light Technician of the festival itself. He has written special sequences that make the crayfish shine continuously.

Installation

For the installation at the location opposite Amsterdam Central Station, Publi Air advised which materials are needed to set up the whole thing properly. By means of an example sketch, the students themselves, together with the organization of the Amsterdam Light, carried out the installation.

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