The Magic of Light in the Urban Environment in Latvia
Proceedings of XXV Generative Art 2022 Conference Edited by Celestino Soddu and Enrica Colabella 2022
Silvija Ozola

Baltic peoples, whose way of life was based on agriculture, widely worshipped natural objects and phenomena since ancient times. The Balts worshipped their gods in holy places – Sacred Groves. The longest day and shortest night of the year are at the Summer Solstice when rituals were associated with ensuring the fertility of fields and livestock, as well as with fire and water, which on this night have life-giving power. Fire is sacred. Fires should be lit at sunset and in the highest possible places. Beliefs say that fire brings blessings as far as its glow can be seen. The Winter Solstice is the shortest day and longest night, as well as a time of purification and awareness when we allow the spark of Higher Intelligence for harmony to come into us. At Christmas, fire is at the centre of ritual action and space. The pulsation of fire has its own rhythm, its own ups and downs, just as the Sun has its own rhythm of cyclic pulsation and rotation. Fire itself is passionless. It is as much about creation and development as it is about re-creation. The fire is divine and God-given, and equated to life. Fire gives light, marks spatial and psychological landmarks, and stabilizes the human psyche in the infinite field of consciousness and darkness. Fire is an excellent object of meditation. The special importance of fire is reflected in the cultural traditions and annual celebrations that are so characteristic of the Balts and are still alive. A full-fledged human life and happiness are unthinkable without the skill and ability to manage the fire and energy hidden in the depths of matter. Light can become magical in an urban environment. Why do people need it? In autumn, dusk begins earlier, and evenings become longer and cooler, so in the city, as well as in a home, people strive more for brightness and warmth at this time. High-quality greenery lighting help people not only navigate safely in the dark but may also transform a landscape. Lighting design can create a particularly romantic atmosphere in parks, where by a stroll could turn into an unforgettable and fabulous adventure. In cooperation with leading Latvian light and video artists, many event managers, artists groups, and creative personalities wanted to contribute to the celebration of the 90th anniversary of Latvia. The festival of light Staro Rīga held in Latvia’s capital city became highly popular and anticipated among citizens. During the festival, residents and guests can see unique light art objects, and theatrical performances, and go on walking routes along the canal bank and adjacent parks, gardens, and squares. Illuminated objects have become an integral part of the Rīga urban design concept. Ancient traditions inspire people with new ideas for urban transformation.


Keywords
ideas of urban transformation, solstice celebrations, traditions, urban environment
Hyperlink
https://generativeart.com

Ozola, S. The Magic of Light in the Urban Environment in Latvia. In: Proceedings of XXV Generative Art 2022 Conference Edited by Celestino Soddu and Enrica Colabella, Italy, Rome, 12-14 December, 2022. Rome: Domus Argenia Publisher, 2022, pp.248-263. ISBN 978-88-96610-44-2.

Publication language
English (en)
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