Botanic Gardens glow under light touch

Designer Angus Muir will serve up a light-infused treat of “UV Spaghetti” with the flick of a switch in the Botanic Gardens in August.

Four of his creations – including one titled “Squiggle“ – will help light up House of Travel Botanic D’Lights during the Christchurch City Council’s five-day interactive and projection event, which powers up from 8 August.

The illuminated installations in different hues let the public see the Botanic Gardens and the Arts Centre of Christchurch in a new light as an open air gallery.

Designer Angus Muir will shed light on the Botanic Gardens.

For the Christchurch-raised but Auckland-based lighting designer, the opportunity to showcase his work in the city – and in “such a beautiful setting” – cannot be missed.

“The Christchurch Botanic Gardens offer such a beautiful setting, with little ambient light making the area ideal for illuminated installations,” he says.

“I studied architecture, specifically temporary architecture, so I enjoy working in public spaces.

“It’s also wonderful to show here as I was introduced to lighting design as a school student about 15 years ago during a lighting workshop at the Court Theatre.”

In all his award-winning work, a “passion for lighting” is complemented by a love of temporary architecture.

Mr Muir’s pieces for the event fit this year’s theme of “Escape Your Reality”.

UV Spaghetti offers a playful, interactive experience, with three kilometres of UV reactive rope hanging in space, inviting to be touched.

Squiggle is an ever-changing mass of twisted light where people can immerse themselves by controlling more than 150 metres of intertwined neon rope.

For Mr Muir, the Christchurch occasion is one of more than 50 lighting events across eight countries that have featured his work.

His installations have recently been on show at Vivid Sydney and LUMA in Queenstown.

“My pieces are interactive and immersive,” he says. “You can get lost in the work – touch it and play with it. I enjoy taking a less traditional approach to artistic creations.

“I have a large workshop in Auckland and do everything – from the design to the digital calculation, on to the build and the installation.”