MetaLicht – light art project celebrating the university’s 40th birthday!
In 2012, the University of Wuppertal (BUW) celebrated its 40th birthday. One of the highlights of the celebration was the launch of “MetaLicht”, a light art installation on the towers of the Grifflenberg campus, on 22 October 2012. Dynamic stripes of light in ever-changing configurations outline the skyline of the BUW.
The concept was developed by the internationally renowned artist Mischa Kuball, Professor at the Academy of Media Arts in Cologne. Other projects he has realised include “NEW POTT”, a feature of RUHR.2010, “Megazeichen” on the Mannesmann high-rise in Düsseldorf, and “Refraction House”, a temporary installation in the synagogue in Stommeln. In 1998, he represented Germany at the 34th Biennale in Sao Paulo, and is currently exhibiting “platon’s mirror” at the Artspace gallery in Sydney and at Central St. Martins in London.
The project unites art and innovative technologies with the BUW’s profile in the area of “Environment & Energy” and emphasises the BUW’s character as a forward-looking university at the heart of a region that is enjoying a period of growth. “With MetaLicht, the BUW aims to create a landmark – for the city of Wuppertal as a university location, for the Bergisches Land as a thriving centre of knowledge, and for the university itself,” says Rector Prof. Dr. Lambert T. Koch. Most of all, the light art installation aims to strengthen people's identification with their university. Prof. Koch: “Only if we work together can we succeed in creating effective stimuli for innovation, thus ensuring that the potential of the region and its university can shine brightly.”
The artwork was a gift to celebrate the university’s 40th birthday. It was sponsored by the Dr. Werner Jackstädt Foundation, the company Vorwerk & Co. KG, the company K.A. Schmersal GmbH, and the Stadtsparkasse Wuppertal. Together with its partner, GDF Suez Energie Deutschland, Wuppertal’s public utility company Wuppertaler Stadtwerke helped realise the project by applying its expertise to the development and implementation of renewable energy generation systems. “The project was not financed using the BUW’s own funds,” emphasises Chancellor Dr. Roland Kischkel. The installation also operates on a cost-neutral basis. According to the Wuppertaler Stadtwerke (WSW), it runs completely on “green electricity” at all times. Rector Koch: “The BUW would like to thank all sponsors of MetaLicht most warmly!”
(11/2015)
More information about Mischa Kuball is available at: www.mischakuball.com
