River Of Light

“Peace like a river ran through the city” – Paul Simon, 1971.

After debuting not one but two installations in Vivid Sydney 2018 – Midnight Sun and Midnight Moon – light artists from architecture practice Weston Williamson were inspired to create a new work introducing flowing movement.

River of Light comprises two pools of ‘water’, formed from clear Perspex, and a 55 metre long cascade up-lit Perspex rods running between them. Pulsing LED lights flow in a wave of fluorescent greens, aquas and blues from top to bottom. Once the lower pool lights up, the process starts again from the top with the water appearing to run down the hillside toward the waters of Sydney Harbour.

River of Light is positioned in the grounds of Royal Botanic Garden between the CBD edge and the harbour’s edge, providing views of the skyline and city lights as a backdrop. The installation is also positioned prominently between two major walking paths for optimal visual appreciation from each end. By day, the clear Perspex material shimmers as it reflects the light and colours of surrounding grass, trees, and sky. After sunset, LED lights shimmer through the vertical Perspex rods bringing the palette of vibrant colours to life.

Weston Williamson, the architectural firm currently working on the Sydney Metro, created the light sculpture as a contribution to the cultural life of the city.