Lights have been a very important element of many festivals. Even before the discovery of electricity, rather more so because of the lack of it, lighting lamps or lanterns was a significant part of celebrations. In fact, some festivals are known as festivals of lights. There are many such light festivals across various cultures in the world, which have been illuminating our surroundings year after year. From Berlin to Bangkok, cities across the world have different festivals of light through the year. Lights and fireworks not only dispel darkness, they also hold different meanings in various cultures. Further more, many of them are celebrated even outside the countries of their origins.
Salvador Dali (1904-1989), born in Figueres, Spain, is best known for his highly imaginative, surrealistic work. In 1968, Dali created 25 colored lithographs taken from his mixed-media paintings to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel. Salvador Dali's "Aliyah: The Rebirth of Israel" collection portrays the history of the Jewish people's return to their homeland.
Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, “Saviour of the World,” sold for $450,312,500 at auction on November 15, 2017, Christie’s said. The price, which includes a buyer’s premium, makes it “the most expensive painting ever sold at auction,” the auction house said in a statement.The bidding for “Saviour of the World,” (“Salvator Mundi”), coordinated out of Christie’s New York office, lasted a little less than 20 minutes, with four and then just two final bidders battling it out.
L’ Atelier des Lumières is the first center of Digital Art in Paris, proposing unique immersive art exhibitions for all. This cultural space, located in the 11th District of Paris, opened in April 2018 with an exhibition dedicated to Gustav Klimt and Hundertwasser followed by the artwork of Vincent Van Gogh in 2019. Despite its recent inauguration, l’Atelier des Lumières and its digital art installations are already a trend in Paris!
