Finnish artist to light up mountains

AS part of Galway 2020, European Capital of Culture, Finnish light artist Kari Kola will create one of the largest illuminated artworks, using the extraordinary beauty of the Connemara mountains as the perfect backdrop.

Savage Beauty is an enormous 5km lighting installation on the mountain of Ceann Garbh, overlooking Loch na Fuaiche. The lake is situated in north Connemara with part of the north-eastern shore lying along the border of Co. Mayo.

Access to the light installation will be by shuttle bus, and there are three pick-up points which might suit people in Mayo – Tourmakeady, Clonbur and Leenane.

The work will light the mountains from March 14 to 17, coinciding with St. Patrick’s Day.

Exploring the Galway 2020 theme of landscape, Kola brings the newest technology of light work to the ancient Connemara mountains and will cover the mountain range in a display of technical virtuosity.

Kari Kola has directed over 2,000 projects in dramatic settings, including Villa de Laak (Netherlands), the Saana Mountain (Finland) and the Stonehenge UNESCO World Heritage site in England.

Kola said: “Since I can’t paint, I paint with light. I’m also interested in light beyond its artistic value. Everything on the planet is based on light. I’m working with scientific projects and new, futuristic techniques. With abstract light, there are as many stories as there are viewers.

“If I can choose, I always work with nature because that’s the best art that we have.

“We will play with scale in Connemara. The light from the installation will be seen from 50 kilometres away, at least. This is out of the normal scale; people won’t expect it.”

Kola often uses his work to address issues of climate change and preservation. With Savage Beauty, Kola will highlight Connemara’s landscape, celebrating the beauty of the area.

Please note, there is no access by private car. Pre-booking of park and ride transportation is essential. See www.galway2020.ie.