Light to permeate wintry Helsinki

The Season of Light city event, from December 31, 2010 through January 9, 2011, will liven up the darkest time of the year in Helsinki, as light art installations create inspiring atmospheres in the city centre.

An international group of designers has created a “journey of light” from the Esplanade Park via Senate Square, Unioninkatu and the Kaisaniemi Park to Parliament House.

The Espa Stage in the Esplanade Park will present Village of Light by Jouko Kärkkäinen. The installation is composed of three illuminated miniature houses of different sizes modelled after traditional Finnish post-war housing.  
 
Senate Square will be the stage for Mercy by Mikki Kunttu. In addition to the Cathedral, the installation will light up the façades of the Council of State building and the university main building. The installation is complemented by sound.

The street scene of Unioninkatu will be transformed by 100 years created by German light artist Martin Kuhn. The fire circus group Walkea will perform in the courtyard of the Topelia building at Unioninkatu 38, open for all.

The installation in the Kaisaniemi Park is by Finnish light designer Tülay Schakir. Good Light – Bad Light will liven up the park and the Railway Station’s underpass.

Sanoma House’s Media Piazza will display the Stage Emotions photo exhibition by German photographer Ralph Larmann. Larmann’s photos allow viewers to acquaint themselves with spaces and atmospheres created with light on stage.

The final point on the journey of light is Parliament House. Soul of Suomi is by Swedish light artist Per Sundin. The light artwork reflects the Finnish psychological landscape and emphasizes special features of the Finnish national character.

The Season of Light is kicked off on New Year’s Eve and continues through January 9. The installations run nonstop daily from 5 pm to 11 pm, except for 100 years on Unioninkatu, which runs from 6 pm to 10 pm. Walkea’s fire performances take place at 6 pm, 7:30 pm and 9 pm. The Media Piazza in Sanoma House is open 7 am to 10 pm Monday to Friday, and 9 am to 10 pm on Saturday and Sunday.