¡UNESCO has proclaimed 16 May as the International Day of Light.
International Day of Light.
The purpose 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.
LIGHT FOR ALEKSANDRA STRATIMIROVIC
- UNESCO has proclaimed 16 May as International Day of Light. What is your opinion of this initiative?
UNESCO has proclaimed May 16th as the International Day of Light. What is your opinion about this initiative?
It is a good initiative. We know from history that all the great ancient civilizations praised light. Light is the basic source of life; it is a magnificent source of energy, a powerful and potent tool, great inspiration and much more. But at the same time, light is the fundamental element in many professions, research and developments. I can’t think of any situation where light is not involved in some way. Everyone has reason to recognize and praise the light on May 16.
That is a very nice initiative. Well, we know from the history that all the great old civilisations praised light highly. Light is the basic source of life; it is a magnificent source of energy, a mighty and powerful tool, great inspiration and so much more. Nevertheless light is the essential element in many fields of professions, researches and developments. I can’t think of any situation where light is not involved in some way. Everyone has reason to acknowledge and praise the Light and the May 16th.
- To what extent is it important to improve public understanding of the central role that light plays in our daily lives?
How important is to improve public understanding about the central role that light plays in our daily lives?
Light is an essential part of everyone’s life. I think everyone is aware of the benefits it brings. But there are also some dangers. I hope that drawing attention to light and life will improve public understanding of the fragile situation we have on this planet and how responsible each of us is to contribute to more sustainable living and development.
Light is an essential part of everyone’s life. I believe that everyone is aware of all benefits that light brings. But there are some dangers as well. I hope that directing attention on Light and Life will improve public understanding of the fragile situation we have on this planet and how responsible each one of us are to contribute to a more sustainable life and development.
- What properties of light do you value most on a personal level?
On your personal point of view, what properties of light do you value most?
Energy.
Energy
- And on an artistic level? What role does light play in your work?
And on artistic level? What role does light play in your work?
Light is a great inspiration for me, but it is also a tool. In my work I see light as my partner. We collaborate and create together. We have a good contact.
Light is great inspiration for me, but it is also a tool. In my work I see light as my companion. We collaborate and create together. We have good contact.
- From your experience would you say that light is an art or a science?
From your experience, would you say that light is an art or is it a science?
Light is art, science … and much more.
Aleksandra Stratimirovic is a visual artist with a special interest in light. He graduated in Applied Arts and Design at the University of Arts in Belgrade and completed his studies in Lighting Design at Konstfack, the University College of Arts, Crafts and Design, and at KTH- Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm.
Aleksandra is especially active in the world of art and light, a field in which she has more than 20 years of professional experience. Throughout his career he has received numerous national and international awards and his artworks can be found in public spaces in Sweden (hospitals, schools, train stations and residential areas) and also abroad. In recent years, his works have been included in exhibitions at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, the Konstnärshuset in Stockholm, the Jardin du Palais Royal in Paris, and at various institutions and events in London, Amsterdam, Ljubljana, Belgrade, Tokyo, Osaka, Verona, Singapore and Stockholm.
Aleksandra is founder of Belgrade of Light in Serbia and co-founder of Lighting Guerrilla festival in Ljubljana, Slovenia. He is also an active member of Transnational Lighting Detectives, a non-profit group dedicated to the study of lighting culture.
Aleksandra Stratimirovic lives and works in Stockholm, Sweden.
Aleksandra Stratimirovic is a visual artist with a special interest in light. She graduated in Applied Arts and Design at the University of Arts in Belgrade and completed her studies in specialized lighting design at Konstfack, the University College of Arts, Crafts, and Design and KTH – Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm.
Aleksandra is worldwide active in the world of art and light with professional experience of more than 20 years in this field. Number of her permanent site-specific artworks are integrated in various public places in Sweden and abroad, such as hospitals, schools, train stations and residential areas. In recent years her artworks have been included in exhibitions at the Guggenheim Museum, New York, Konstnärshuset in Stockholm, Jardin du Palais Royal in Paris, and various institutions and events in London, Amsterdam, Ljubljana, Belgrade, Tokyo, Osaka, Verona, Singapore, Stockholm etc. Aleksandra has received number of national and international awards for her work.
Aleksandra is founder of Belgrade of Light in Serbia and co-founder of Lighting Guerrilla festival in Ljubljana, Slovenia. She is also active member of Transnational Lighting Detectives, a non-profit group dedicated to the study of lighting culture.
Aleksandra Stratimirovic lives and works in Stockholm, Sweden.
