A hangover from the old year
Scarcely were my feet back on English soil, last November, than I was scampering up to Durham to see Lumiere 2017. The consensus was that, in comparison with previous shows, this one was a bit of a disappointment. It’s hard to maintain such standards as were set in November 2015.
I’ve been so busy sharing my Algarve exploits that I’d almost forgotten about the show. I thought it time to show you a few of my highlights, before I move on. As usual I started my tour in daylight, curious as to what I’d find. Below we have ‘Dome and Arches’ in the Market Place.
One of my favourite light installations took place in Durham University Botanic Garden. ‘For the Birds’ was very clever and wonderfully atmospheric, but extremely difficult to reproduce in photographs. Softly tweeting birds, suspended on fine wires, swooped through the trees in the darkness. Patches of dramatic colour illuminated the valley, leading you on a magical journey.
Castle and Cathedral next. ‘Our Moon’ smiles, blinks, twitches and frowns as the faces of Durham’s residents animate the facade of the Castle. The Cathedral complex came in for a lot of criticism. The Nave of the Cathedral was flooded in an eerie light, while the cloisters featured ‘Entre Les Rangs’, illuminated ‘flowers’ intended as a tribute to shimmering fields of wheat.
In all there were 28 installations, scattered throughout the city. My opening photos were taken inside St. Oswald’s Church and were probably my greatest challenge. ‘What Matters’ features thousands of hand-blown glass pieces, depicting the birth of light in the universe. Incredibly beautiful.
I hope any hangovers are long gone. and that you enjoyed this look back with me. Don’t forget to share your Six Words with Debbie.
restlessjo 
How festive! I especially love your photos of “Dome and Arches” but I’m sure the bird installation was magnificent too. Fun! 🙂
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The birds in the Botanic were very clever, but not easy to represent in a photograph. 🙂 There’s always a great atmosphere at the event, Cathy. 🙂 🙂
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It’s so hard to capture birds, although my friend Mario does it very well. I’m glad you enjoyed the atmosphere. 🙂
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I love the title with these six words, Jo. What a plethora of lights. I’d love to look at all these installations. The dome and arches one is mind-blowing and my favorite!
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They put on a great show, Liesbet, and you never know quite what to expect. 🙂 🙂 How’s mum-in-law?
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Slowly on the road to recovery. She is scheduled to leave the hospital to go to rehab tomorrow or Monday. Thanks for asking!
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Those are really beautiful! Especially the lighting ❤
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The walk through the floodlit gardens was really atmospheric. Thanks for your visit 🙂 🙂
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That’s great 🙂 Looking forward to reading more posts 🙂
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Spectacular light shots. I need lessons – and lights! Not many in Potato Point. Disappointment is only for those who experienced the high point of 2015: no chance of disappointment looking at these without invidious comparisons. The lights I. The nave are especially wonderful. How’s the year chugging along? Today’s a day of rest for me – and organising repairs for camera, solar hot water and leaning tree. The mob are off for a bit of bush camping. Fatigued hugs!
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Bless you! Sounds a bit hectic 🙂 How much longer are they with you? I’m sort of counting down to the Algarve and having fun in fits and starts 🙂 🙂
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Ein wunderschöner Hangover Jo auf das vergangene Jahr. Happy New Year!
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Danke schon, Ernst 🙂 🙂 Guten tag!
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Beautiful, Jo! I am glad that you got to enjoy this beautiful light show. I’m wondering how long you’ll stay in one place before you start roaming again!
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That’s not something I’m good at, Patti. I don’t know why. 🙂 🙂 Maybe I should sit and knit socks? In the Algarve 🙂
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Knitting socks? I don’t think that’s likely. 🙂 Honestly, I’m restless too. We’ve moved 17 times since we’ve been married.
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I’m afraid my husband would have left me after no. 3 🙂 🙂 You might like today’s ’tile’ walk.
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Wow looks spectacular. Thanks for sharing.
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It’s a good night out, Suzy. I always enjoy it. 🙂 🙂 Happy 2018!
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Looks quite spectacular to me, Jo. Why do I love that moon face so much? 🙂
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He’s a bit of an odd character, Ad. 🙂 🙂 The whole thing is great and there’s always a party atmosphere. Yoou ok, hon?
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Looks good, I must make the effort and go one year!
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It is worth a bit of effort, Andrew. Park and ride and the organisation is usually pretty good. 🙂 🙂
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Ahh I love the wheat fields and What Matters, I’m glad you remembered to post these, you probably won’t see it this year! Hope your plans are going well darling 🙂
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The show is every second year, Gilly, and I kind of did think, ‘well, I’ll not see it again’ but who knows. 🙂 🙂 I will respond to your email in the next day or two. Need to get my walk sorted today 🙂 Thanks, darlin!
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Still a wow from little old me! Happy New Year Jo x
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Thanks darlin 🙂 🙂 I think you can build expectations too high, but I was pretty impressed too.
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Well it may not have been as good as 2015, but it still looks amazing!
Alison
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2015 had some amazing 3D effects (a whale splashing into the river) which were missing this time, Alison, but you always have to try something different. I still loved the show. 🙂 🙂 Happy New Year!
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