Visibility is fundamentally necessary for survival—in more ways than one. But how, when, and in what way is it beneficial to be seen?
The artwork invites you to explore the human experience of being visible and being seen. It also touches on the emotional aspect—the feeling of being seen, affirmed, accepted, and appreciated for who you are. Reflections and light play a central role in the installation, as the frames of the artwork change depending on where you stand and how the light falls on the reflections.
With the help of light, the sculpture is constantly changing, just like us humans. You can be one person when you’re alone and someone entirely different when you’re in a group. It’s a sculpture to observe but also to participate in. It offers insights into how light, color, materials, perspective, and visibility interact. Sometimes you need to be alone, but other times you need to belong to a group and a context. Most people often just want to be happy while also having the energy to bring joy to others.
For 30 years, Svante Pettersson has worked with light in various ways, ranging from lighting installations and light design in urban areas to light art, light philosophy, and safety issues in vulnerable areas. His art installations often rely on the interplay of multiple visual factors that together bring joy and educational “aha” moments to the viewer.
A recurring theme in his work is the search for unknown dimensions, accompanied by existential reflections, with both seriousness and humor. Svante is a sought-after inspirational speaker and workshop leader who regularly guest lectures at various art and design schools. In 2015, he published his book See the Light, which explores the philosophy of light and is now used in several lighting programs worldwide.
The light installation is presented by LF Uppsala, which works to create security and realize dreams. It is only when people feel happy and well that they truly feel safe. The company aims to create opportunities and contexts that provide more for more people. Therefore, they develop new security products and services, back initiatives, ideas, and projects, and support associations and organizations. The result is evident around us: more meaningful contexts, leading to fewer injuries, accidents, and broken individuals. More community, which brings long-term societal benefits.
