In an algorithm-meets-art collaboration, artist Shannon Novak and iion have programmed Te Ara I Whiti - The Lightpath to deliver happiness for Art Week.
See below for more about Art Week 2024.
This innovative artwork, commissioned by Auckland Council, is called Random Acts. It will shine in movement, colour and light from 7.30pm to 6.30am every day from 4 to 13 October.
Shannon Novak says it began with the Art Week theme of ‘happiness’. His practice focuses on growing positive mental health outcomes for LGBTQI+ communities which aligns well with the Art Week theme.
“For this commission, I wanted to connect with the wider population - beyond LGBTQI+ communities. We explored how the essence of random acts of kindness could be expressed through this interactive lightwork. The algorithm sees the palette of lighting lift as people pass and connect with each other,” he says.
Hayley Wolters of Auckland Council Public Art encourages you to experience Random Acts on Te Ara I Whiti - The Lightpath on your way to and from the city centre for Art Week from 4 until 13 October.
“As someone moves along the Lightpath, the lights change from magenta to a colourful display in response to their movement, and as people pass each other the colours merge and intensify expressing positivity as people connect,” she says.
Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson explains that the lights on The Lightpath are similar to those on the Auckland Harbour Bridge in that they can be programmable to change colour but they can also increase their effect for different experiences like this.
“This time, our programmed lights will respond positively to people as they pass by. This is a much-loved pathway and I’m pleased to see it included in Art Week. It’s always great to be part of something that makes you smile and this extraordinary public space and artwork will do just that,” she says.
Art Week 2024
Art Week is delivered by Heart of the City, and proudly supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.
There are over 70 pop up exhibitions, events, music, galleries, art and light installations, free art walks, artist talks, workshops and more between Friday 4 and Sunday 13 October 2024.
Late Night Art is happening on Thursday 10 October 2024 between 5pm and 9pm. It will feature over 40 exhibitions, events, installations, markets, performances, workshops and activations across the city centre.
To celebrate the gathering of people in the city centre during Late Night Art, Random Acts will be activated in two ways - in light effects on The Lightpath and also in person. Actual random acts of kindness will be shared with people along Te Ara I Whiti - The Lightpath and in city centre streets and spaces in an evening of art and mindfulness.
Click here for a ten-day-diary for Art Week.
See the full Art Week line-up here: heartofthecity.co.nz/artweek
Photos by Jasper Johnstone Auckland Council.
Q & A: Shannon Novak
Can you explain how Random Acts came about?
My work focuses on growing positive mental health outcomes for queer communities in Aotearoa, so the Art Week theme of ‘Happiness’ directly linked into research and work I’ve been doing for many years. I decided to extend this beyond queer communities, to growing positive mental health outcomes for all people. Research shows that engaging in random acts of kindness not only helps brighten someone’s day, but also boosts your own happiness.
Have you worked with light as a medium before in your practice?
Yes, from day one. I initially used sunlight at school where I created miniature greenhouses using different coloured glass. I then began experimenting with transparent coloured vinyl on various surfaces with sunlight and artificial light, then later interactive sculpture using LED’s.
Can you explain how you and your collaborator David Hayes have used technology to express this idea of ‘random acts’?
This pattern for Te Ara I Whiti - The Lightpath is designed to make use of the interactivity of the lights. When movement on the pathway is captured by motion sensors it causes the lights around them to flare up in a certain hue, saturation and speed. The lighting design then takes on a life of its own as people cross each other on the path, almost like creating a call and response.
You have included a performative aspect to this work. What is it and why have you done this?
A team of people will be distributing badges with an image of the lights on the pathway during Late Night Art. The idea was to take the work from the abstract into the literal, to reinforce and increase opportunities for happiness and kindness. This activity also highlights The Lightpath as an integral, influential, connective artery into the heart of the city.
How will it make people feel? What will people experience?
Random Acts aims to make kindness the norm. In this case, people will experience a direct connection with someone they may not know in a safe and non-threatening way. Hopefully, this will make both people smile and feel positive. If people are feeling alone or unhappy this small act of a smile may cheer them up and they may feel less alone and appreciate that people show care for others.
