A fire sculpture by the students of the University of Lapland on the River Lights fire sculpture event in 2012. Photo: Antti Stöckell

The source of inspiration for fire sculptures in River Lights this year has been found in architectural structures in the Arctic. Structures such as lean-tos, Sámi huts, turf dwellings, and wilderness cabins have provided protection to hikers and others enjoying the Lappish wilderness in all four seasons. Moreover, this year’s fire sculptures subtly demonstrate features of modern architecture as well.

“Fire has always ambiguity, as it’s both experiential and destructive. Combining fire and architecture is without a doubt controversial. The sculptures, however, are not buildings; rather, they represent architectural shapes and structures that were observed and brought into fire sculptures”, University Teacher Antti Stöckell, supervisor of the ULapland students’ workshop, explains.

Students of Art and Design at the University of Lapland, the upper secondary school Lyseonpuiston lukio, the local Steiner school, and the Artists' Association of Lapland will take part in the event. In addition, the River Lights event this year will have a sister event, the Arctic Shore Lights, in Reykjavik, Iceland; the Arctic Shore Lights in Reykjavik will be directed by Art and Design students of the University of Lapland. The two events will take place simultaneously.

For the first time in the history of River Lights, you can view the blazing fire sculptures also live at www.ustream.tv/channel/riverlights-rovaniemi.

There is a coffee stall where you can purchase hot coffee, juice, and sausages. The coffee stall will be hosted by the 8th grade of the local Steiner school.

Since 2001, the Faculty of Art and Design, University of Lapland, has organised the River Lights event annually. Every year, the Artists' Association of Lapland, the upper secondary school Lyseonpuiston lukio, and the local Steiner school have taken part. The Arctic Shore Lights in Iceland is part of the Relate North symposium and an art exhibition of the Arctic Sustainable Arts and Design (ASAD) network in Reykjavik. The symposium gathers together members of the ASAD network from all over the Arctic region. The Faculty of Art and Design, University of Lapland, coordinates the ASAD network.

For more information, please contact:
Antti Stöckell, tel. +358 40 484 4408, antti.stockell (at) ulapland.fi

ULapland/Communications/SV&AJ