Albany's Coastline Transformed by Record-Breaking Light Art
Albany has become the stage for the world's largest light installation, as Finnish artist Kari Kola's Lighting the Sound project illuminates the King George Sound and surrounding coastline. This monumental display, running over nine nights from March 13 to 29, 2026, is a centerpiece of the Albany 2026 bicentenary celebrations, captivating residents and visitors alike with its stunning visual spectacle.
A Slow Burn of Artistic Vision
Unlike traditional light shows with rapid pyrotechnics, Kari Kola's work is designed as a meditative experience. The installation features 15 lighting towers positioned across the Torndirrup Peninsula, casting green and red hues across a 13-kilometer stretch of land. Kola emphasizes that the project is not just about light but about creating a connection to the environment and heritage. "I don't do projects where there's only light, and that's it. There has to be a reason for it," he explains, highlighting his commitment to site-specific art that tells a deeper story.
Inspired by Menang Noongar Heritage
The inspiration for Lighting the Sound stems from extensive consultations with Albany's Menang Noongar community. During site visits, Menang Elders introduced Kola to the blood root plant, a culturally significant bush food that gave the project its color palette of red and green. "This is connecting the language, it's connecting the culture, it's connecting the heritage, it's connecting the land and the cosmos," Kola says. The installation aims to weave together ancient times, the past 200 years, the present, and the future into a cohesive narrative.
Creating Moments of Stillness and Beauty
Kola's artistic philosophy focuses on slowness and patience, influenced by a personal accident 20 years ago that required him to relearn how to walk. This experience shifted his perspective, leading him to create art that encourages observation and reflection. "You can just observe, and it's enough," he notes, hoping that visitors will embrace the stillness of the installation. He believes that in a world often dominated by chaos and fast-paced media, projects like this offer a moment of beauty and a reminder to focus on culture and heritage.
Logistics and Community Impact
The installation is expected to attract up to 15,000 visitors per weekend, boosting local tourism and engagement. Organized in collaboration with Perth cultural organisation FORM, it follows Kola's previous world record light installation in Ireland. Residents have already witnessed testing phases, with mysterious lights glowing over the peninsula, building anticipation for the full display. For assistance with visiting and accommodations, the Albany Visitor Centre can be contacted via amazingalbany.com.au.
As the lights continue to shine over Albany, Lighting the Sound stands as a testament to the power of art to unite communities, honor indigenous heritage, and create unforgettable experiences in the natural landscape.
