It was in 1949, when a meeting between photographer Gjon Mili and Pablo Picasso in the South of France, resulted in the phenomenal images of Picasso’s ‘light drawings’, clicked by Mili in a darkened room using two cameras — for side and front view respectively. Now, a Delhi-based group, Otherlogic Experientials (OLE), is trying their hand at the same technique, popularly known as light-bending, though their sessions called LIGHT.STREETS.DELHI (LSD).
“LSD is about gathering in public spaces to co-create art, using light-bending as the prime medium. We have an array of exercises through which we create instant outputs to make small animation to light typography and more. Anyone can join in; all you need is a flash light or your mobile light source,” says Ankit Monga, OLE member.
OLE is a collaborative of professionals from advertising, tech and education, started nine months ago, formed to facilitate creative and fun expressions for everyone. According to co-member Nihar Mudgal, the group believes in creating a moment of wonder, which turns into a catalyst to experience and learning.
Essentially a photography trick, light-bending is a simple technique of light painting with long exposure in a camera.
“Soon we entered new dimensions of experiential media, where we use technology to create interactive and engaging experiences. We keep rhythm (using handmade instruments like LPG tank drum and bamboo slit drums), sound (an experiment with visible sound, making sound signatures), and light as our focus. Right now our focal point of light is via light-bending,” he explains.
Essentially a photography trick, light-bending is a simple technique of light painting with long exposure in a camera. “It is when you explore the canvas, and use a light source as a ‘paint brush’ we call it light bending,” adds Mudgal.
With their aim of creating creative community spaces across the capital and NCR, OLE wants to craft spaces where people can explore, experience and co-create any form of art. Their free sessions are open to all those who get a light source along.
“LSD sessions are our first step towards that goal. We add new elements to our sessions and try to explore newer ways to create instant light art with everyone working on it together. It also gives us an open platform to experiment and try new technologies that we develop. Our sessions generally start around 5 pm and last for about 2-3 hours,” says Monga.
Their next session is likely to be scheduled for February at the India Gate.