The thirteenth edition of Amsterdam Light Festival will take place from 28 November 2024 to 19 January 2025, with the theme Rituals. In the year that Amsterdam celebrates its 750th anniversary, the festival is packing big with, among other things, four projection works by Spanish land art artist Javier Riera at prominent spots in the city, and two works by Brit Julian Opie, famous for his style that combines minimalism with pop art.
A tradition for more than 12 years
Amsterdam Light Festival has been an annual tradition for more than 12 years, illuminating the city in the darkest months of the year. Each edition attracts more than a million visitors. For Edition 13, artists were asked to reflect on the role of rituals in our lives and incorporate this into their light artworks.
Light plays a crucial role in many forms of rituals, as a symbol of joy, energy and life. Light adds something mystical and sacred to a ritual like no other element can. It produces stimulating and diverse art, showcasing a wide spectrum of subjects and styles.
The light art is placed in public spaces and is always freely accessible, based on the vision that this is how the festival connects and enriches people. Bringing art as close to people as possible creates new energy and insights. And that, in turn, makes a positive contribution to the contemporary challenges of residents and visitors to the city.
This year, a total of 27 artworks by 23 artists will be on display. Of these, 23 works were created especially for the festival and have thus never been on display before. The art route can be experienced by sailing and walking.
Photography: Janus van den Eijnden
