Spectra returns to light up Hobart’s skyline at its new permanent home
A SPECTACULAR art installation which shoots light beams up to 15km into the sky has made a dramatic return to Hobart for Dark Mofo – and it’s here to stay.
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A SPECTACULAR art installation which shoots light beams up to 15km into the night sky has made a dramatic return to Hobart for Dark Mofo – and it’s here to stay.
Spectra, by Ryoji Ikeda, beamed on full power on Wednesday night for the first time since it was shown at the Cenotaph on the Queens Domain during Dark Mofo in 2013.
During the preview, Berriedale locals were given an exclusive peek at what the much-loved installation will look like now that it has been permanently moved to Mona.
MORE: YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON TODAY AT DARK MOFO
MORE: SPECTRA’S BACK FOR DARK MOFO
Sandra Newton, who lives just metres from Mona, said the display was better than she ever expected.
“I thought it was fantastic, my husband and I have been watching them prepare it during the week and we had no idea there was so many lights involved,” she said.
“It’s just magical, it looks like it goes into the heavens. Everywhere we go we tell people they must visit Mona and I can’t wait for people to see this.”
Spectra includes a sound system and 49 searchlights that project beams of white light into the sky.
Irene McInerney, who visited the site with a friend, said there was nothing like spectra in the state.
“The public will definitely come to this because it’s something different and people like alternative experiences,” she said.
“It’s definitely the best outdoor feature at Mona.”
Mona exhibitions and collections co-director Nicole Durling said different versions of spectra had appeared around the world, with installations usually lasting just a few days.
“We couldn’t resist finding a permanent home for it here at Mona,” she said.
“You can view it from all different parts of the city. It’s such a magical work that captures people’s imaginations and it will be quite a beautiful work, even without the lights going.
“We are very fortunate that the artist trusts Mona and Hobart should be very excited.”
Spectra will light up again from dusk to dawn on Thursday, Friday and over the weekend as part of this year’s Dark Mofo program.
After the festival, Mona plans to run it on the summer and winter solstices.
The Winter Feast at Princes Wharf 1 will return on Thursday night, with a banquet of delicious foods up for grabs.
Adam James of Rough Rice and New Zealand culinary star Monique Fiso will be on the list of impressive guest chefs cooking up a storm.
Dark Park will also be open to the public from 5pm at Macquarie Point.
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