Vibhor Sogani, an acclaimed Indian installation artist showcases ‘Pool of Dreams’ at the Amsterdam Light Festival

Acclaimed Indian artist and designer Vibhor Sogani’s installation, showcased as a highlight of the 12th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival 2023 (30th November 2023 to 21st January 2024). The theme for the latest edition of the festival is Revealing Art, AI, and Tech, which invited the artists to address the rise of artificial intelligence and technology and its role in daily life and the world of art with their works. 24 artists from 8 nationalities were selected to display at the prestigious festival including Vibhor, the only Indian.

As part of the festival, Sogani, renowned for his affinity for steel, has crafted “Pool of Dreams,” a light installation composed of 100 mirror-finished stainless-steel orbs. These orbs vary in size, ranging from 3.5 to 7 feet in height and 12 to 20 inches in diameter. Notably, the artwork is uniquely situated, on land and with a part gracefully adorning the water’s surface. Through this ambitious creation, Sogani seamlessly converges the realms of art, light, and technology, aligning with the festival’s overarching theme.

These gently moving bubble forms in mirror–finished stainless steel, reflect the relationship between technology and the future. The material and the forms collectively evoke a futuristic feel and create an atmosphere that would engage the viewer with the installation.

The reflections of the glistening forms, the blue lights recessed below it, collectively dance in mesmerizing manners as the artwork comes alive in an ever-changing recital, and a curious dialogue ensues between the spectator-enthralled and the subject-enthralling. While boat rides give one a close view of the water installations, people walk within and mingle in the clusters on land.

“The artwork, a collective of multitudes of images, is a reflection of my thoughts, my imaginary perception of a beautiful tomorrow,” says Vibhor Sogani. “A dream of utopia where knowledge, technological advancement, and the evolved intelligence will make the world dramatically beautiful and beautifully imagined.”

Daylight has assumed paramount importance in contemporary lighting design. These pieces exude enchantment as they interact with the dynamic play of daylight, the evolving skyline, the hues of the sky, and their reflections in water—truly a photographer’s paradise. Consequently, the artwork captivates audiences throughout the day. The overall goal is to create an immersive, interactive, and thought-provoking experience for the viewer, while provoking curiosity and subtly encouraging them to imagine and reflect on the role of technology and our evolved intelligence towards our future.

Artist Bio – Vibhor Sogani

Passionate creative professional Vibhor Sogani (born in 1967 in India) has a strong affinity for working with various materials, with a particular fondness for steel—a consistent choice in most of his installations. His diverse array of artworks has been showcased globally through exhibitions.

He has a unique connection to light art. He feels, light if used as an integral part can enhance the artwork in an interesting and defining manner. He strongly feels that participation of light completes his perception of art. Drawing a parallel with architecture, he regards light as the fourth dimension of art, attributing immense value to its role in artistic expression.

He is well known for ‘Sprouts’ which is one of the largest public art installation in India. This 40-foot-high art installation is spread over 6 acres of greens which lies between the flyovers at AIIMS crossing, Delhi. Another of his prominent works is ‘Joy’, a 30-foot-high public art installation in Dubai, UAE.

About Amsterdam Light Festival

Amsterdam Light Festival is one of the leading light art festivals in the world. Since 2012, it has annually transformed Amsterdam’s city center into a 53-day exhibition. Tailor-made light artworks by artists are displayed across the city. The festival is organized by an independent non-profit foundation. The theme for the current 12th edition addresses the rise of artificial intelligence and technology and its role in the world of art.

Amsterdam Light Festival Edition 12

Revealing Art, AI and Tech

30 November 2023 to 21 January 2023

24 Artists, 8 Nationalities