The sighting of fireflies is becoming increasingly rare, largely due to human-generated nighttime lighting. To address this issue and reflect on our relationship with the nocturnal landscape, Yon Garaizabal and Igor Goti have created Argiaren Basoa. This is not merely a light show but an artistic journey that promotes darkness, its perception, and environmental consciousness.
The creators explain that the project aims to offer a territorial approach to experiencing the night differently, moving beyond a simple light spectacle or festival. The intention is to slow down daily rhythms, pause, observe, listen, and thereby recover senses that may have been lost.
Under the title 'The Light You Cannot See', the initiative champions the night and its inherent fluidity. The creators have sought a novel approach to illumination that respects the environment, plants, and animals.
This 60-minute sensory journey features artistic light and sound installations, set within a forest in the Armintza neighborhood of Lemoiz. Finding a suitable location was a challenge, but the forest's verticality and varied levels provided an ideal setting.
The project also showcases works by students from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the UPV/EHU. These include 'Cerebral Cartographies' by Nuria Nora Martos, 'Light Shelters' by María Nalf and Sofía Martínez, pieces by Raquel Nebra and Argiñe Uriarte, and creations by Imanol Zubiauz and Imanol Garaizabal. All these works are conceived with the aim of protecting the forest's inhabitants.
Argiaren Basoa seeks to raise awareness about light pollution, even though its use of nighttime illumination might seem contradictory. The creators offer a way to illuminate nature respectfully, fostering reflection through art.
The installation is temporary and will be open until October 15th. The entire construction is bio-based and will be dismantled afterward, leaving minimal physical trace. Tickets can be purchased at argiarenbasoa.eus.
