UNESCO has proclaimed May 16 as the International Day of Light . The aim of this initiative is to improve public understanding of the about how light and its related technologies affect everyday life and are essential for the future development of humanity, as well as drawing attention annually to the central role that light plays in areas such as science, culture and art, education, sustainable development and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications and energy.
The International Day of Light will be celebrated on May 16 each year, in honor of the first emission of laser light on May 16, 1960, obtained by Theodore Maiman with a ruby laser. This date has been chosen as a paradigmatic example of how a scientific discovery provides revolutionary tools for the global benefit of society, in communications, in health technologies and in many other applications.
The first celebration of the International Day of Light will take place on 16 May 2018, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. In Spain, the Central Act of celebration will take place on the same day at the Faculty of Physical Sciences of the Complutense University of Madrid.
Since the celebration of the International Day of Light provides us with a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of the culture of light, from the Association of Authors of Illumination -AAI- and the Professional Association of Lighting Designers -APDI-, we have invited leading creators from the fields of art, design, theatre, photography and architecture to share their views and opinions on this important initiative and on the role that light plays in their lives and professions.
THE LIGHT FOR SERGIO PARRA
- UNESCO has proclaimed 16 May as International Day of Light. What is your opinion of this initiative?
I think it is an interesting initiative. Light is something that is taken for granted, like breathing. So putting the spotlight on it, never better said, I think it can help the general public to better appreciate and understand our work.
- How important is it to improve public understanding of the central role that light plays in our daily lives?
Light is a basic element for life, from the biochemical reactions of our skin when we are exposed to the sun to the more subtle moods it can generate in a particular staging. Understanding it can help improve our quality of life.
- What properties of light do you value most on a personal level?
Its ability to transform our perception of reality. The same space becomes a completely different sensory experience by modifying its light.
- And on an artistic level? What role does light play in your work?
Everything. Modelling a face or a space with light is a fascinating job, it’s a work of craftsmanship that I enjoy very much.
- From your experience would you say that light is an art or a science?
For me it is an art. There has to be a minimum of technique but the important thing is to know how to make the most of it creatively.
Born in Madrid, Sergio Parra is an artistic photographer, specialized in performing arts, a field for which he also creates posters and image design for shows.
He studied Psychology at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, a discipline he never practiced, although he recognizes that it has been very useful for his work in the world of photography.
Fundamentally self-taught, he soon began to receive some awards that encouraged him to continue shooting.
Fascinated by the way of lighting of the classic photographers, he devotes great attention in each session to the light and the relationship with the performers.
He likes to be defined as a portraitist, an art to which he has devoted much of his career.
