After the successful light works in public space in Graz in 2015, the Institute for Art in Public Space Styria – following the initiative of Christian Buchmann, State Cultural Counsellor – is focusing specially on the theme of light in 2017.

The artists’ collective Plex Noir has developed an interactive light and sound installation for the Joanneum Quarter, the intention being to create a discourse with the Joanneum courtyard as a location of urban life. Passers-by influence the projection both directly and indirectly, whereby the realisation both in sound and visual terms is based on physical and biological phenomena, and is computer-generated. The projections are influenced by the visitors’ mobile phones in two ways: by the devices’ radiowaves being received and reflected on the one hand, and by direct influence being exerted on the installation via a simple interface, on the other.

Several works by artists on the theme Resource Light will be on show in Graz’s inner city, including those of Werner Reiterer, Manfred Erjautz and Liddy Scheffknecht. The history of the development of light in urban areas is covered, as is the discovery and growing awareness of various speeds of light and sound, or the mutual effects of space and time. The irritation factor of shadow as ‘non-light’ is thematised; likewise the marking of specific places by means of self-charging fluorescent colours. The theme of a 24-hour working world, in which light is the constant companion, is taken up, with visitors being made aware of the phenomenon of the transition from consciousness to sleep. To heighten perception, the continuously changing colours of the sky are ‘controlled’ and experienced more directly by means of a colour spectrum.

The investigation of space, light and language forms the nucleus of the work of internationally renowned Austrian artist Brigitte Kowanz, who will represent Austria at the Venice Biennale in 2017 along with Erwin Wurm. Kowanz has developed a specific work for the entrance area of the museum in the Palais Herberstein, which opens up the hallway optically, making it more of an experience as a result. The subtle and yet memorable work reflects the artist’s interaction with this architecture that is important both in art history, and history more broadly.