LAUNCHING
LUMINARY
AN ENCOUNTER WITH LIGHT
Luminary is a sculptural installation and photographic works that offer the viewer a potential liminal moment of encounter with the intangible through the medium of light. Luminary invites viewers to contemplate and wonder at the mystery and beauty of cosmic phenomena. I want to ignite connection within our communities to a largely forgotten history of art and faith in dialogue with one another. I, and the exceptional team involved, need your help to take this tour of Luminary to the Venice Biennale and to Cathedrals around Aotearoa.
The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. He to whom the emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand wrapped in awe, is as good as dead — his eyes are closed. The insight into the mystery of life, coupled though it be with fear, has also given rise to religion. To know what is impenetrable to us really exists, manifesting itself as the highest wisdom and the most radiant beauty, which our dull faculties can comprehend only in their most primitive forms — this knowledge, this feeling is at the centre of true spirituality.
― Albert Einstein, Living Philosophies, Ams Press Inc, 1931
WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?
The Story
As viewers enter each venue, they will see a 2-metre diameter, spherical object of uncertain substance, floating 7 metres high into the ceiling space, partially concealed by a veil of material and illuminated in fields of white and gold-coloured light. Displayed near the installation will be a series of lumen photographic prints, made in dawn's light using everyday objects to evoke celestial bodies. An enigmatic ambient soundtrack will permeate the space, mixed from recordings by NASA’s Voyager spacecraft around the planets of our solar-system.
This Luminary project has come together over three years with a lot of passion and hard work. Luminary began as Awakenings IV, an exhibition at Holy Trinity Cathedral for Artweek Auckland 2020. The work was well received by audiences and acclaimed by industry professionals. Awakenings struck a chord. An art industry advisor suggested that the work was well suited for Venice. Following an intense year-long submission process, Luminary was accepted for my first international exhibition! It’s all very exciting and a fantastic outcome.
This international and national opportunity is so timely and relevant in our current global context.
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Luminary directly engages sites of worship and their role in framing the possibility of a spiritual dimension in art, historic and contemporary.
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The theme of spirituality has gathered significant momentum in the last few years. Landmark exhibitions now explore ideas of spirituality and human experience of the metaphysical realm, and the world’s ecological crisis. Luminary contributes to both these vital conversations.
WHO'S INVOLVED
I’m working with a great team of people with the skills and experience to deliver both projects.
Karen Sewell - Artist CV
FOR THE NEW ZEALAND TOUR
Mark Pierson – Tour Manager, Event Producer
Northart Public Gallery - Supporting Art Institution and Representing Auckland Gallery
Paragon Matter - Art Services Consultancy and Project Management
Jessica Pearless - Industry Consultant
Alison Squires - Production and Organisational Support
Nikki McLay - Designer
FOR VENICE
Otago University - Co-presenter Professor Murray Rae - University Representative
Northart Gallery - Co-presenter and artists Auckland Representating Gallery
Paragon Matter - Art Services Consultancy and Project Management
Jessica Pearless - Industry Consultant
Alison Squires - Production and Organisational Support
Nikki McLay - Designer
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
You can make a difference
I now have the unique opportunity to launch a New Zealand tour at the same time that Luminary is exhibited in Venice. Many more Kiwis, of all ages and walks of life, will be able to see it here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Venice exhibition got off the ground with the help of a very generous grant from a keen art patron and my family’s own savings. In New Zealand, host venues will make a contribution to the cost of exhibition. I also have other funding applications underway, but we need a little extra to secure Luminary's journey across the seas and around Aotearoa.
For the Aotearoa New Zealand tour to happen, I need to raise funds for costs such as:
• Exhibition materials
• Transportation of the exhibition
• Production costs
For the exhibition in Venice to go ahead, funds are needed towards material and production costs.
I’m reaching out to ask if this is something you’d like to be part of. I’m very grateful to those who have already given support and it would be so encouraging to reach these final targets and launch Luminary to the world!
THE IMPACT
A unique experience
Luminary aims to inspire wonder and ignite liminal moments, both live and virtual, encountering the unseen mystery of life.
We’re using technology to capture and stream the exhibition to audiences around the world. One million people access exhibitions at Venice's European Cultural Centre online! The NZ tour will reach an estimated 4,600+ visitors and thousands more online.
Luminary reminds us that while we may each hold different spiritual beliefs, art and faith can once again be in dialogue. The spiritual dimension of life is significant, gently drawing each one of us towards our full flourishing as human beings.
Experiencing Awakenings IV in the Holy Trinity Cathedral during Artweek 2020 was a transcendent and beautiful experience. It lifted my spirits causing me to think about the celestial realm, about God's presence infusing my very being. It was an amazing and unforgettable experience. Luminary is an innovative artwork that I think will benefit everyone who experiences it.
— Carole Hutchinson Business entepreneur, Art collector
HOW TO DONATE
If you’d love to be involved, use the contact form below.
We understand that financial giving is not possible for everyone, there are other ways you could help us if you would like to.
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Complete the contact form to show your interest.
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You’ll get an email about making a donation via online banking
THANK YOU
Thank you for your generosity and support, it means so much to have your participation in this project.
Karen
