Vibrant colours lit up the night at Ayers rock Resort’s Field of Light and in the very dry Northern Territory it’s one of the most popular visitor attractions. This amazing installation by British artist B. Munro is a camp with over 50000 solar light stems, all smaller than the average size of the surrounding landscape. Munro’s big idea is to bring art and technology together to create something beyond the ordinary, to beat the light into a once dormant desert seed.
Field of Light
There is no dominant light form in the Field of Light, but it transforms the space into a lightwork; the visual element comes from the landscape. The artist’s design includes special sticks of light that look like scattered flowers on the barren sun-scorched landscape. But with gentle beats of light, the culture and the environment start to change the mood from overcast to panting under the endless desert sun and give life to a story where man becomes the moon. The frosted spheres and sunlight provide even light intensity that highlights the ancient landscapes more.
Symbolism of Light and Nature
Munro’s very conceptual installation works with the light and the natural environment. The patterns of light and the soft glow of the setting sun respond to the harsh, bright, electric light in the background and the barren basin. So, as much as the installation is high-tech, it minimizes environmental pollution and carbon emissions by using solar cells and advanced battery storage. The fibre optic cables and light projector add to the scenery and allow people to enjoy the mix of natural and motor technology.
Bruce Munro
Bruce Munro is an artist and artist-in-residence for large scale installations using engineering and artistic materials. He is also known for his art as he has a background in architecture and design and uses optical fibres and solar power to extend sonography imaging. This explains how he relates to light and place. From the light field to the rest, Munro’s Practice, including the lights, is to research the effects of light on people and the environment.
Sources of Inspiration and Concept
For Munro, the ultimate outcome of his art is to create environments that touch the emotions and the senses. Travel and other life experiences led Munro to work on memory, newness and nature. The Field of Light design was based on the Jaggered soil and ancient ruins of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the beauty of the Territory. There are also tiltable light sources that can be viewed from different angles of the work so clients can see the artwork in high definition while it’s in operation.
Location: Ayers Rock Resort
The Field of Light is situated in the middle of the dry scrub of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia at Ayers Rock Resort. This is the perfect spot for Munro’s installation as it has big skies and a connection to the land. Being in this special place helps you to see the light installation and the desert at the same time; it’s magic and unforgettable.
How do I see the Field of Light?
In addition to the installations themselves, there will be various ways for visitors to experience the Field of Light. The Field of Light Dune Lookout will offer a view over the softly glowing lights of the installation. Getting inside the installation allows you to get up close to the artwork and spend more time looking at the individual lights and the vastness of the light.
Field of Light Dune Lookout
From the Field of Light Dune Lookout, you can see 360 degrees of the installation, so you can see the field glowing. This higher vantage point is great, as you can see in the artist’s light installation in relation to the desert landscape. Lookout is always a good spot to capture the lights dancing as they light up the ancient mesh.
Walk in the Uluru Field of Light
Walking in the Uluru Field of Light is a different experience altogether as you become part of the artwork. The paths in the field are functional so you can wander through the body of the large field while being swayed by the gentle flows of light. Although the installation is lit by lights without electricity, the solar outdoor lights create an atmosphere that makes you want to move and think.
Sunrise in the Field of Light
The Field of Light is most dramatic at sunrise, one of its best times. The first light of day starts to hit the desert, and at that point, the lights of the installation start to fade out, so it’s the perfect merge of the artificial and the real. This is a great opportunity to see what the colour temperature is and how the installation blends with the time and place.
Nighttime Experience
Field of light is amazing at night. The rhythm of the glow is more beautiful than during the day. Solar panels with a big enough battery to light up the area create a great experience. Light & colour of the installation has temperature duration controllers and angles of illumination which makes the dark night sky and surroundings even more beautiful.
Summary
Bruce Munro’s Field of Light is an artistic representation of the relationship between light, nature, and technology at the Ayers Rock Resort. Using optical light, solar power, and strategic placement, the installation becomes part of the landscape within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Whether you experience it in the glow of the morning sun or under a blanket of stars, Field of Light transforms the surroundings into a breathtaking spectacle. Enhance your visit by joining one of the many Uluru tours, offering unique insights and guided experiences of this iconic art piece and the surrounding landscape.
FAQ
What is a Field of Light?
Field of Light is a large installation by Bruce Munro made up of over 50,000 solar powered lights that forms a glowing field within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park that blends in with the landscape of the park.
Where is Field of Light?
Field of Light is located at the Ayers Rock Resort in the Northern Territory and within the Uluru-Kanji Tjuta National Park. The sculpture is hidden in the desert sand.
How can I experience the Field of Light?
Benefits include visiting the Field of Light Dune Lookout, walking through the installation, viewing the sunset or sunrise, and more.
What are the environmental impacts of Field of Light?
It’s all powered, solar powered, which means there is less emission pollution. It uses solar panels, has no carbon emissions, and has battery storage. Beautiful lighting attractions were also designed, and fewer disposable batteries were used in the design.
Can I take photos of the Field of Light?
Yes, no photography restrictions. You’ll have great opportunities to take good shots as the installation is stunning and light changes are amazing.