Unusual figures illumine the streets of Sandton
White lights have been woven around wire figures to bring a festive mood to the centre of Sandton.
Chatting: spectacular effects entertain onlookers
SANDTON CENTRAL has been turned into a spectrum of light, with ethereal figures woven around streetlight poles to celebrate the festive season.
Sandton Central Management District (SCMD) commissioned well-known South African artist, Usha Seejarim, to create a festive season atmosphere in Maude Street using white rope lights. And Seejarim designed figures made of wire and light.
Over 50 fanciful figures have been erected in specific locations along Maude Street, creating a magical scene at night. "The whimsical theme is driven by motion of happiness, love and freedom," Seejarim explains. "Everybody, whether an art lover or not, will relate to the figures as they represent the spirit of the festive season."
The SCMD funded the project; the lights will remain in place into 2008. According to Cara Reilly, the marketing manager at SCMD, when designing the lighting display the artist took into account the current power problems the country was experiencing and adapted the designs accordingly.
"The installation is, nonetheless, exciting, playful and appropriate for a festive season tribute in an urban environment such as Sandton Central," Reilly said.
The streetlight aspect of this year's illumination project has been themed green, in line with the SCMD's drive to maintain and develop green spaces and bring soul to the area through a diverse range of artworks.
The festive lights of Sandton created by Usha Seejarim
"Green also symbolises new beginnings, always poignant with the New Year around the corner, and, of course, it's a subtle reference to the green and the gold of the Springboks' World Cup Rugby win," she said.
Apart from the lights, live performances, history projects and exhibition programmes are used to create exceptional spaces throughout Sandton Central.
There are plans to extend the initiative next year, where lightings will go as far as Nelson Mandela Square, down Burgher's Walk and along Maude Street. The plans will, however, be influenced by a number of challenges, such as power supply, the budget and public perceptions about the initiative.
"We aim to create an atmosphere over the festive season that draws people to the area and gives them a unique experience that embraces the holiday season spirit," Reilly explained.
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