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 
This display looks amazing. Whether or not it is similar to previous ones, it’s sad to know that people were critical. So much effort goes into the planning and preparation of this kind of event and it must be disheartening to hear negative comments. I wonder if those who criticised will be offering to help next time.
LikeLike
The event only runs every second year because it takes so much effort and organsiation, Carol. I think that you always have to try for something different and inevitably some things will be enjoyed more than others. As a whole it’s a fabulous event. 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s good to hear. It would be a huge task to plan and prepare.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The illuminated Dome and Arches looks stunning, the colours are fabulous 🙂
LikeLike
The Market Place always has something wonderful to display, Eunice. Glad you liked it 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
You have to appreciate darkness. It provides such a wonderful contrast to the lights. I loved the first picture and the photos from “Dome and Arches.” Happy New Year, Jo.
LikeLike
Hi Nicki and a happy New Year to you too. 🙂 🙂 The botanic garden was a wonderful experience, with birds calling in the dark and tiny lights illuminating the path.
LikeLike
Looks amazing to me, nothing like that here although in May there’s something in Brighton. Thank you for the fabulous photos 😀
LikeLike
The event ran in London too, but I’ve grown used to seeing it on my home turf, Tanya. It’s a great show. Thank you for your company. 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks pretty good to me, Jo. Thanks for all the color on this cold winter morning. The sun is out, but it’s still frigid, so color is very much appreciated.
janet
LikeLike
Pretty darn cold here too Janet. Been doing DIY at our sons today xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well having never been there all I can say is that it looks pretty sensational to me, even the cathedral. How big are the crowds though? And parking? We used the park ‘n ride to get into the city on our visit, but that doesn’t usually run in the evening.
LikeLike
Because it’s spread throughout the city they’re not too bad and they have a ticketing scheme to control numbers between 4 and 7.30 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! What an amazing display. I would’ve loved to see it person.
LikeLike
November 2019 for the next one xx
LikeLike
Scampering, Jo?! Anyway, it was worth it, however you got there!! Happy Saturday 😊😊
LikeLike
It was a bit manic that weekend Sue. But I enjoyed it xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the main thing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Talk about highlights! These are stunning photographs, Jo. Thanks so much for taking us along. Happy Weekend!
LikeLike
It was nice to look back Jill. Thanks darlin xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Someone else said ‘mesmerizing”. I have to agree. This year on New Years, My Beloved Sandra turned in early & I sat at the keyboard til well after midnight, listening to vintage vinyl and revising, revising, revising. Happy New Year to you!
LikeLike
Many thanks Ron. This might be our last New Year in the UK so we had to enjoy it xx
LikeLike
Durham looks stunning with its illuminated buildings brightening up a dark winter, thank you.
LikeLike
It’s a fantastic event and I always enjoy being there xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
So beautiful, you have done very well Jo to capture these images as night time photography is very hard. I can imagine the birds as you describe them swooping through the darkness.
LikeLike
They had some really clever effects in the botanic garden Pauline but so hard to make meaningful. Thanks a lot xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
A stunning array of photos Jo. The ones in the church were absolutely amazing. Like Tom I also thought the first few photos were from the inside of a cave. You’ve done a great job capturing the magic. Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks Miriam. It’s one of my favourite events and you really do need to be there but I did my best xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
You did well!! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done, Jo. it is so difficult to capture this kind of thing, especially when you add crowds. I had so hoped t get up there last year, but lots of other commitments got in the way. So 2019 it must be!
the opening images are tantalising, and you the St Oswald ones look gorgeous. Well, I like them all really.
And a clever 6 words. Have a good weekend!
LikeLike
You saw the London stuff Debs. Heaven knows when I’ll get back again. It was a lovely experience and the atmosphere is always so good. Thanks darlin xx
LikeLike
Happy New Year, Jo. For some reason, I thought that the first set of photos were from inside a cave, when I first saw them, and they were of natural occurring lights… until I read on, and then saw the photos properly. Don’t worry – I’m going to get my eyes tested next week! The flowers looked more like a congregation to me! I do like displays such as this as I like colour, so thank you for sharing!
LikeLike
I think you had to be there in the church to get the feeling of it Tom but it was really lovely. X
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s fabulous – whether or not it’s as good as before, it works for me!
LikeLike
If you’d never been before you’d be impressed Anabel. I still thoroughly enjoyed it xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t that the same with nearly everything, the second time around is never as good as the first? Brilliant photos and you are right when we leave an event or country and look back at the images I am always sure I have taken more, or they haven’t captured all of what I saw.
LikeLike
This was the 3rd biennial event, Suzanne. The second was incredible and i had so looked forward to this one. To be fair I still loved it, but I heard lots of criticism afterwards. Night time photography is a real challenge though. 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Night photography certainly is a challenge, there is always editing to do afterwards 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am mesmerized by the colors. And that moon is very cool 🌕
LikeLike
It may not have been their best ever show but it’s impossible not to be drawn in by the atmosphere, Lisa. So hard to capture in photos. 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jo, the first set of photos stopped me in my tracks as I tried to make sense of this series of surreal objects floating in the air! Breathtaking…a stunning show by the looks of it although the cathedral ones really don’t seem to work well at all. Thank you so for sharing and hope you had a great celebration for the new year! 2018 seems in full flow already and time for Xmas decs to be packed away for another year…sigh, sob! Have a super weekend!❤️😀
LikeLike
The effect in that small church was stunning, Annika, but very hard to give a sense of. The show overall is a great place to be and there’s always a great atmosphere, even when you have to queue. New Year down in Norfolk was a bit special too. I am a lucky bunny! 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Precious times to treasure and savour! Happy for you, my friend! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
wow – this is like Paradise – deeply beautiful!!
LikeLike
The atmosphere on a Winter’s evening is lovely, Mihran. I’m sure you would enjoy it. 🙂 🙂
LikeLike