Inspired by the North Star and boat sails, Jun Ong’s latest light art installation encapsulates the multi-faceted energy and movements of both historic and modern Amsterdam as part of this year’s Amsterdam Light Festival.

“Polaris,” also known as the North Star, has been a vital navigational reference for centuries, aiding travellers in finding their way due north. Movements of stars often dictated agricultural seasons, religious festivals, and significant happenings with rituals aligned with astronomical events like solstices and equinoxes.

Ong’s “Polaris” has been plucked from the heavens and landed in the city. Reshaping the skyline like a temporal glitch, the work is formed at the dynamic yet ritualistic nexus of water, land and bike movements. The almost invisible structure is also inspired by the complexity and grandeur of sail masts and cables of the shipping history of the city.

The star’s points connect the bridge, water, and quayside, three central aspects of Amsterdam’s urban landscape. When one discovers the artwork, it is the moment when ancient and 21-st century rituals collide - through chaos and order.

The work is a reincarnation of Jun’s 2015 installation “STAR.” (more information here.)

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“Polaris” is the invited highlight commission for this year’s @amsterdamlightfestival, themed “RITUALS” - coinciding with the city’s 750 year-old anniversary.

The festival is ongoing from 28 Nov 2024 till 19 Jan 2025.

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More information about this year’s festival artists : https://amsterdamlightfestival.com/en/news/these-are-the-artists-of-edition-13