Light artist Kari Kola’s upcoming work in Australia will not just be the world’s largest light installation, but it’s also a new type of example of collaboration between photonics research, industry and the arts.
The artist behind Photonics Finland member company Valoparta Oy, Kari Kola is the world’s most renowned light artists. He is also the new brand ambassador for the City of Joensuu and its globally recognized photonics community.
The main focus of the collaboration will be the world’s largest light installation, Lighting the Sound, which Kari Kola will create in the city of Albany in southwestern Australia in March 2026. In the work, local Aboriginal culture and colonial history meet through light, color and shared experience.
“The work has been designed in dialogue with local communities, technical experts and an international team. The aim is to bring more than 50,000 visitors together for silence, reflection and respect. In this way, Joensuu is also involved in a collaboration that transcends borders,” describes light artist Kari Kola.
The City of Joensuu will organize networking events for photonics experts and potential partners at Kari Kola’s international installation sites. Through the events, potential partners are invited to visit Joensuu and get to know Joensuu’s photonics expertise.
The aim of the cooperation is to make Joensuu a globally known pioneer in photonics in science, technology and art. International communication will potentially create new cooperation opportunities for photonics companies, educational institutions and researchers. The artist is also discussing with Finnish photonics companies to collaborate documenting the installation, which should be visible from space.
Follow Kari Kola’s journey in creation of the world’s largest light installation in Australia: