Imagine a world where the boundaries between digital and analog, reality and illusion, blur. This is the realm of German artist and spatial designer Jacqueline Hen’s latest creation, “Light High.” Set to captivate audiences at the Amsterdam Light Festival, Hen’s installation is a unique sensory journey, offering an escape into an alternate dimension of light and sound.
“Light High” is a testament to Hen’s ingenious artistry, having secured the International Light Art Award. This immersive experience, featuring many LEDs, mirrors, water, and sound, challenges the perception of space and self. Hen describes her work as akin to “entering the Matrix,” underscoring its profound impact on altering consciousness.
Hen’s approach to light transcends mere visual aesthetics. “Light lets you create new realities within a space,” she conveyed to CNN, emphasizing her fascination with altering reality and proprioception. Crafting such an installation was a meticulous endeavour. Hen highlighted the precision required in aligning mirrors and calibrating electronics, a repetitive yet rewarding process culminating in a transformative artwork.
“Light High” isn’t Hen’s first foray into light-based immersive experiences. Her previous work, “Formation of the Sun,” showcased at the Grindelwald Light Art Festival in Switzerland, depicted the galaxy’s origin story through a colossal golden sphere and intricate light play. Like her others, this installation blurred the lines between myth and science, enveloping viewers in a mesmerizing, emotional landscape.
Hen’s repertoire also includes “Sympoiesis,” a Dortmund-based installation integrating human performers and light. Here, performers, akin to “futuristic beekeepers,” interacted with thousands of lights representing insects, merging performance art with everyday reality.
Hen’s journey into light art was serendipitous. Starting as a university experiment, her fascination with light has shaped her career. As a professor at RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, she imparts her knowledge and passion to the next generation of designers, emphasizing the freedom of expression and experimentation.
Jacqueline Hen’s art transcends mere visual stimulation. It explores altered perception, inviting viewers to escape their everyday reality. Her work, particularly “Light High,” is not just an art installation but a portal to a world where light bends the fabric of existence, offering a glimpse into the infinite possibilities of artistic expression.