EDITIon 2022

After the darkest month of the year, Utrecht was once again illuminated from 7 to 30 January 2022 with the inaugural I Light U EXPO, showcasing national and international light artists in and around the station area.

In a place where millions navigate their way to work, home, family, or friends each week, I Light U brings both literal and figurative light, offering inspiration, reflection, and tranquility amidst the chaos of daily life.

The route featured existing artworks such as the REBUS at the Beatrix building and IK at the Park Nieuweroord office building by internationally renowned light artist Jan van Munster, enhanced by a temporary display of exceptional light installations.

LIGHT ART 2022

Towering Heights | Peter Snijder
Towering Heights represents green Gothic towers, encapsulating the essence of elevation in their defining title. They embody a comprehensive perspective, thoughtful foundations, and a strong community presence shaped by collective perceptions. Just as trees provide oxygen, these towers nurture the creativity and passion that drive every form of progress. Majestic, verdant, and Gothic, they symbolize a yearning for sustainability and reflect ambitious aspirations.
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Connected | Peter Koros
The artwork CONNECTED explores various facets of science and its influence on our daily lives. The two large inflatable neuron cells communicate, sending and receiving signals from each other, a process visually represented through light that illustrates their moment of connection. The Bollendak will serve as a flying stage for this artwork for the first time. CONNECTED was developed in collaboration with the Zsolnay Light Festival.
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Eclips | Daphne Glasmacher
The world moves forward, with time passing through day and night, and the city continually evolving. Daphne Glasmacher’s work is rooted in geometric forms complemented by graphic elements. Drawing inspiration from the universe, natural phenomena, and the vibrant spectrum of colours that grace the horizon at sunset, her creations invite viewers to explore the interplay of light and form.
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Platfom 04 | Peter Vink

In a former Sushi Shop location within the passage of Utrecht Central Station, Peter Vink presents a dynamic yet minimalist light artwork. Featuring LED light lines in red, blue, and white arranged in a horizontal grid, the installation continuously shifts in composition and brightness.

Following Platform 01 by Herman Lamers at Amsterdam RAI, Platform 02 by Dan Geesin at Haarlem Station, and Platform 03 by Fransje Killaars at Utrecht CS, this marks the fourth artistic application realised this year by Polderlicht on behalf of NS Stations in temporarily vacant spaces.

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Fluxit | Vendel en de Wolf
In a rapidly growing city, there is an increasing need for smaller gathering spaces. Throughout various cultures, fire has been a central element in these communal moments, whether to celebrate, mark a new beginning, or ward off evil spirits. Often, these fires symbolically burn away the past, allowing participants to leave it behind. However, they also provide a warm and inviting atmosphere to stand around. Vendel & de Wolf are bringing a unique element of fire to the Utrecht station area. For this artwork, the artists utilise a standard lighting effect, but in such abundance that it transforms into something entirely new. What sets it apart is its colour; while lighting effects are typically white, this vibrant orange version has been sourced from China.
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Touch of Time #2 – unwinding | Lambert Kamps
The artwork Touch of Time has, much like the evolving city, undergone a long development process. It started with the concept of a retractable tube lamp that functioned as a mechanical dimmer. The movement proved to be far more intriguing than the dimming effect itself, leading to its application in a digital clock. For I Light U, a new light element has been designed, inspired by the rolling tongue of a butterfly. Gradually, these light elements unfurl to create a constantly shifting display of numbers and shapes, reflecting our human experience of time and the geometric forms of the developing city, with special thanks to Light Art Collection.
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Failed Dawn | Oscar Santillan

The fluorescent tube is not typically associated with nature or organic forms; rather, it evokes the impersonal lighting of many office buildings. Despite its often harsh, inexpensive, and stark illumination, Oscar Santillan chose the fluorescent tube as the medium to construct this wild fountain. He demonstrates that it is indeed possible to transform the atmosphere and aesthetic of a material entirely. Failed dawn was first showcased in the exhibition Lekker Licht in 2015.

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