The construction of the field of light art

Abstract

In this work we review the different processes of artification that take place around the industry of light festivals. We review the problems for the constitution of the field of the light arts, as a result of the lack of adhesion on the part of the artistic community that works with light as a medium; and the difficulties to constitute a professional identity. We also analyze the on-going attempts to legitimize this set of cultural practices. We study the resistance and opposition processes of the artists present in this type of events, and we deepen in the motivations that discourage them to integrate the community of light artists. We also analyze the possible causes that limit the appearance of light art in an institutionalized way, specially outside of a context of pseudo-entertainment event. We reflect on the conflict of interests between artists and curators and we question ourselves about the continuity of light festivals following their traditional formats. This work is based on the analysis of 55 in-depth interviews with artists, curators and artistic directors, as well as ethnographic work carried out in the context of light festivals (2017/19).