LIGHT ART 2025: ALIVE

For the fourth edition of I Light U, we turn our focus to life—life that is under pressure in various parts of the world due to war, climate change, and the erosion of democracy. How do we relate to these looming threats? Is resistance possible, and if so, how?

Throughout our route, we explore the positive, invisible influences that also play a role in our lives. By exchanging ideas, creating together, and celebrating, we can feel inspired and connected as human beings. The forces of nature impact us in ways that can be quite reassuring. We live in harmony with the eternal cycles of day and night, the changing seasons, and the rhythms of birth and death, along with everything in between. Unexpected events may catch us off guard, yet we consistently find our rhythm once more.

The participating artists each present their unique perspectives on life shaped by these invisible forces, whether in a philosophical or metaphorical manner, or through a focus on personal experiences.

LIGHT ART

OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCE | ALAA MINAWI

Minawi’s artwork Out Of Body Experience invites you to explore the enchanting world of dance. Six dancer silhouettes, alongside a seventh seated figure, vividly represent how dance can transport you to a liberating out-of-body experience.

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OVERGROWN | front404

Overgrown is an interactive light installation in which a colossal illuminated climbing plant takes over the walls of the busy Van Sijpesteijntunnel. As cyclists and pedestrians pass through the tunnel, the plant springs to life, creating a captivating experience that blends art and nature.

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HOUSE OF BELONGING | Titia Ex

The façade of a historic building from 1912 on Van Sijpesteijnkade transforms into an impressive canvas for the projection House of Belonging, creating a harmonious balance between contrasts such as light and dark, silence and energy.

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The in between | tessel Schmidt

Discover the captivating journey of freediver Judith de Waard as she gracefully glides 5 metres beneath the surface of the water. In an astonishing feat, she holds her breath for three minutes, while her body struggles against the contractions caused by the lack of oxygen.

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I am ecstatic right now | Emma Griffiths

How does one experience a conversation when deaf? This artwork provides a unique perspective on this question. Its layered, three-dimensional design invites you to view it from various angles, much like how Emma perceives a conversation.

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Kinetic Perspective | Juanfuentestudio

Kinetic Perspective immerses you in a captivating and enchanting experience where a flawlessly synchronised blend of light, moving circles, and sound crafts a distinctive spectacle of geometry and perspective.

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BIOPHILIA | Frankie Boyle

In Biophilia, Boyle illustrates our circadian rhythm, the biological cycle that governs our 24-hour day. She programmes colours associated with natural phenomena, such as the warm hues of a sunset and the captivating flicker of a flame.

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TUG of war | Peter Snijder

Tug of War explores the human desire to control time and prolong our lives. In a world where everything is measured by time and efficiency, Peter Snijder embodies this pursuit as a tug of war with the heavens.

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Great Minds | Aleksandra stratimirovic

The cross-sections of two brilliant minds, each standing four metres tall, illuminate a collective brainstorming session where new and creative ideas emerge, energy flows, and inspiration is shared.

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WHO BRINGS COLOUR TO YOUR LIFE? | DE VROLIJKHEID

This year, we are proud to collaborate for the fourth time with The Joy Foundation. The theme for this edition focuses on collaboration and collective action in our workshops with the young residents of the azc.

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IN FANTASIA | TIM BENSCHOP – HKU

The station is an important hub in our busy, sometimes chaotic lives. We are constantly connected to everything and everyone, always on the move. This artwork by Tim Benschop offers a moment to pause and unwind.

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INSECTA ESTHETICA | Eline Flick

This artwork is an ode to insects. For artist Eline Flick, these creatures are nature’s masterpieces, the true marvels of the animal kingdom. She highlights their unique shapes, spectacular colors, and intricate details.

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A GLIMPSE OF TIME | VINCENT VAN DER GEEST – HKU

At the station, it feels as though time speeds up, say the creators of this artwork. A constant fl ow of trains, buses, and people rushes through the area. Time feels like a force pulling us along—but what if we break free to truly observe?

ILU x HKU

In collaboration with various departments at HKU, coordinated by the HKU X alumni programme, students and alumni are creating a series of unique light artworks for shop windows and interior spaces in the station area. In addition to these innovative light installations, first-year IMT students are also crafting digital content for the screens at Hoog Catharijne. This inspiring collaboration places a strong emphasis on young talent and storytelling.

EXISTING LIGHT ART

Curious about the light art you can experience throughout the year in the Utrecht station area? We have compiled a selection of the artworks for you.

Rebus| Korrie Besems

Beatrixgebouw

This neon tube riddle has long been a defining feature of Lange Nieuwstraat, challenging the minds of many passersby. Today, it can be admired on the rear façade of the Beatrix building.

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Sunny CLoud | John Körmeling

Utrecht Centraal, centrumzijde

A familiar spot to meet and connect, the Sunny Cloud at Utrecht Central Station is a dazzling installation of lights that dance in harmony with the local surroundings.

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