The third edition of the much-loved annual Spier Light Art will be presented from 19 March to 18 April 2021.
Each night, visitors will experience a dazzling array of light, sound and video artworks throughout this historic Stellenbosch farm.
“Although COVID-19 is a common storm, it affects us all differently – especially so in a deeply unequal society like ours. What is universal, though, is our need for light and lightness,” say the curators Jay Pather and Vaughn Sadie.
Pather and Sadie explain that while some of the works grapple with the pandemic, others offer “glimmers of pure beauty and opportunities to play”.
The installations include:
- LUME by EGBERT WESTRA: An interactive installation where visitors can use their cell phone’s flashlight to create images on a phosphorescent screen alongside Lucy, a light painting robot
- THE SINGING TREE by THE WILLOW COLLECTIVE: An interactive piece combining light, music and technology with design and motion. The music and lights around you begin to change according to your position within the tree, inviting you to further interact with the environment
- UMDIYDIYA by WEZILE MGIBE: in this video, the artist reflects back on past experiences in welcoming and unwelcoming spaces and celebrates the connections between loved ones
- HOW DO YOU MOURN? by GEORGIA MUNNIK: An array of colourful sculptures that invite viewers to reflect on the impact of climate change
From 19 March to 18 April 2021, Spier Light Art will be accessible to the public. The experience is free; however, visitors will need to reserve a timeslot on Dineplan to ensure compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols and government restrictions.
The best time to visit is at dusk, when you can catch both the beautiful sunset and the switching on of the lights.
Food and drink
Pre-book a sunset picnic online (collect your basket by 19.00, and return it by 21.00).
Not in the mood for a picnic? Delicious food is available from the Spier Farm Cafe, various pop-ups, the Spier Hotel restaurant and Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery. Or just enjoy a glass of wine from the Wine Truck.
Your safety
Audiences wellbeing is paramount and there are an extensive range of COVID-19 safety protocols in place. In addition to timed slots (booked online), these include:
- Temperature checking is available at the Welcome Station and sanitising stations are available at various point throughout the farm
- The interactive works are all outside and spaciously set apart from each other; visitor flow is also monitored. This ensures social distancing will be adhered to at all times
- Only visitors wearing masks will be admitted; mask-wearing is mandatory throughout your visit.
Linger longer
Make a night of it! Stay at Spier Hotel from just R1100 per person per night. This rate includes a delicious Sunset Picnic, a restful night in a spacious room, and a delicious breakfast the next morning. Find out more and book your room online!
Spier Light Art is one of Spier’s Growing for Good initiatives, which empower communities to create positive social and environmental change.
