With the advent of technology, art has taken on new and immersive forms. The Temple of Light, my destination this month in Shanghai, is one such example of how art and technology have combined to create an unparalleled experience. Here, a 70-minute exhibition presents a mesmerising visual treat to visitors, one where they are transported into a world of stunning visuals and immersive soundscapes. But for only a limited time.
With tickets on the door at ¥150 or a bit cheaper online, the exhibition is a collaboration between Danny Rose Studio that is a collective of multidisciplinary artists based in Paris, and the Temple of Light. This team of artists and technologists worked together to create an authentic experience blending old and new.
The Temple of Light is a large-scale digital art exhibition that takes place inside a silver-coated, shiny-metal box on the Bund. Therein, talented artists, designers and technicians have used cutting-edge technology (projection mapping) for an immersive and unforgettable exhibition featuring a mix of 2D and 3D animations, to bring to life iconic pieces of art, from the Renaissance to the immersive-digital art of today.
Enter the Temple and be greeted by a massive screen that displays a 3D preview of the six chapters of the experience that await, with names such as The Light of Human Dialogue, Technology Gives Way to New Perspectives, or Treasure Cabinets and Unstoppable Curiosity.
In just one room, a 360-degree panorama takes visitors on a journey through the universe. Many choose to lie down on a circular platform and watch as the room transforms from Van Gogh’s legacy to an all-encompassing, swirling-floral-themed expedition.
The exhibition features several installations that use projection mapping, whereby images and videos are projected onto the surfaces of the walls, pillars, floor and ceiling. These include a beautiful depiction of the influence of humanism through portraits of religious or mythological figures, and another which reveals Giuseppe Arcimboldo’s vegetable portraits.
The Temple of Light is, in effect, an invitation to enjoy an immersive-sensory moment, an almost unheard-of activity in today’s fast-paced world.
Audio design is another highlight, with the sounds of nature and a variety of classical music pieces creating a symphony which enhances the experience. Varying from installation to installation, some soundscapes create a calming effect while others generate excitement and thrill.
A journey through mythology and art’s vibrant history, the exhibition provides an escape from the chaos of everyday life, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a world of beauty and wonder.
Running until 31 May, 2023, the Temple of Light is an extraordinary example of the possibilities that technology offers to the art world, one which also showcases a fusion of traditional-Chinese culture with modern technology that will leave visitors awestruck. If you’re planning a trip to Shanghai anytime soon, make sure to add the Temple of Light to your itinerary!
Find the Temple of Light inside North Gate of the North Bund Riverside Greenland at 558 Dongdaming Lu in Shanghai 上海东大名路 558号北外滩滨江绿地北1门
