LOV 3.0 Programme 2025
The third “Light our Vision” Festival of Light Art will be bringing international and regional light art back to the city of Chemnitz from 24 to 27 September. The focus for the 2025 event will be on urban development and social change. The central location is Marienplatz – a previously unused area in the city centre.
From the imposing facade of the city’s main station to surprising productions on Marienplatz, the programme brings together innovative installations that blur the boundaries between architecture and art. The artists have taken a diverse range of approaches, from abstract projections to immersive soundscapes and interactive installations. So you can enjoy four evenings full of surprising sights and creative visions!
Locations and artists along the route
LOV project (jury selection)
Partner project
1. Roter Turm (Red Tower)
“Dissolving Boundaries”
A tapestry woven of memories and future, in which gestures transform into a wave – the liquid element dancing across the skin of the architecture. A body, a dancer, appears. The driving force of a greater energy. Its gestures start to influence a virtual body of water taking shape on the surface of the building.
Water, a symbol of life, memory and transformation, becomes a medium through which the past and future merge into one. The echoes of archaic dances are reflected in contemporary movements as the surface of the building becomes a liquid mirror – a reactive organism that responds to motion.
Waves ripple, break and reform in an eternal cycle, the memory of gestures continuously dissolving before being reborn. This work is more than a visual experience. It is an invitation to rediscover our connection to ancient forces and their transformative potential.
Like culture, water never stops: It changes shape, travels, blends, and yet always carries a trace of the past. In dancing with it, we become part of its fluid story.
Who’s the artist? OOOPStudio
Founded in 2010 by Alessandro Grisendi and Marco Noviello, OOOPStudio explores the boundary between the natural and digital worlds. Its work deconstructs and recomposes reality through the language of video, creating forms that transcend mere representation. Natural events and human experiences are transformed without losing their primordial essence, while technology reveals hidden connections to reality.
Nature is a constant presence in the studio’s works – not as a symbol, but as a pure entity, simultaneously fragile and powerful. It places its works in dialogue with contemporaneity, technology and the urban landscape. Rather than following preconceived ideologies, it delves deep into the human experience. Art, technology and human presence interweave to create immersive experiences in which the audience becomes part of the evolving narrative. OOOPStudio’s installations, performances and site-specific works have been shown at places including the Venice Biennale, La Scala in Milan and the Dutch National Opera & Ballet. Each work is created in dialogue with other participants, and uses video as a tool to open up new narrative and perceptual possibilities.
2. Stadthallenpark (Stadthalle Congress Centre Park)
“For iTernity”
For iTernity is an audiovisual installation based on the famous ballet solo The Dying Swan. This swan has now been uploaded to the cloud, becoming an entity that exists everywhere at the same time and dances forever. But like everything on the internet, you need a screen to watch her. Can you catch a glimpse of the dance of the dying swan? Those who try to follow her may begin to dance with her themselves…
For iTernity is inspired by the virtual world. Our data is omnipresent on the web, our profile pictures never age. You could say that this means we have become immortal. And while each individual can only see one fragment of reality, together we may be able to see the whole picture.
The soundtrack to this work is Mozart’s Requiem, sung by Californian YouTube vlogger Trisha Paytas. Trisha saw that her Wikipedia page claimed she had died – so she decided to vlog about it. Composer Sander van der Schaaf set the video to music to make Trisha ‘sing’ her own requiem.
Who’s the artist? Katja Heitmann
Born in Germany in 1987, choreographer Katja Heitmann works at the intersection between theatre, visual art, performance and installation. Her work explores what moves humanity today, her performance installations poetically revealing that the answer to this question is multi-faceted and ambiguous. Heitmann was honoured with the Dutch Dance Festival Award in 2016, and in 2020, she received the prestigious Gieskes Strijbis Podium Award, the most important prize for the performing arts in the Netherlands.
As an artist, she wants to move her audience. Her work constantly seeks interaction with society, the city and the people around her. The universal nature of her art allows every individual to find their own interpretation. She creates unique performance installations and theatrical exhibitions that appeal to an astonishingly diverse audience, often moving them to tears.
3. Brückenstraße – Karl Marx Monument and Relief
“DREAMS IN COLOR”
DREAMS IN COLOR is a poetic piece of projection mapping that reinterprets the Karl Marx Monument as a dreamer. The monument is transported into a surreal, dream-like world in which memory, identity and fantasy unfold in rhythmic waves of colour, sound and movement. The narrative flows through several symbolic phases of dreaming: The Sleeper’s Silence, The Lullaby, The Drift, Expansion, Disruption, Collapse, The Shout, and The Afterdream. Each transforms the monument and the surrounding wall into playful, abstract and emotionally resonant images.
Local symbols inspired by Chemnitz’s industrial and philosophical heritage, such as textile machines, merge with bold, dreamlike imagery. In keeping with the Light Our Vision theme, the projection is a metaphor for awakening: It not only illuminates the monument, but also the shared inner worlds of the audience, inviting them to dream, reflect and imagine together.
Who’s the artist? The Fox, The Folks
The Fox, The Folks is a multimedia artist collective based in Bandung, Indonesia. Specialising in 2D-style storytelling – particularly hand-drawn and motion graphic animation for projection mapping – their work has gained international recognition and earned numerous prestigious awards. Notable honours include the Grand Prize at Mapping From Home Indonesia 2020, the Grand Prize and the Audience Award at 1Minute Projection Mapping 2021 in Tokyo, Japan, and first prizes at the Schlosslichtspiele 2022 in Germany, the Lunar Festival of Lights 2024 in Bulgaria, and Genius Loci Weimar 2025 in Germany.
Using bright colours and playful imagery as their distinctive trademark, the team strives to create work that is accessible and enjoyable for all, inspiring the world with authentic visual storytelling through the mediums of light art and projection mapping.
4. Marienplatz (Mary’s Square)
“CHRONOPORTALE”
The URBANSCREEN team is bringing a site-specific sound and image installation to Chemnitz’s Marienplatz with their CHRONOPORTALE project. The work is designed to open up a dialogue on future visions of this central urban space. It is formed of two key pillars: the voices of local residents sharing their wishes and ideas for the Chemnitz of the future, and creative designs from an architectural competition for students. Portals created from projections and speakers will be dotted around the square, inviting visitors to discover, listen and linger. A multi-layered sound collage will mingle with two visual worlds: architectural designs and poetic, AI-generated dreamscapes, inspired by the ideas from the local community. The result? An immersive, experiential space that will temporarily transform Marienplatz into an inspiring symbol of shared urban thinking and visions.
Who’s the artist? URBANSCREEN
URBANSCREEN is a media art production studio based in Bremen that displays its works all over the world. Founded as an artists’ collective, the studio has evolved over the past decade into a major name in the realisation of complex media projects for museums, festivals, companies and agencies. URBANSCREEN has won numerous prestigious awards for its work and has repeatedly inspired people in public spaces around the world. Its projects combine artistic vision with technical precision, creating spaces in which imagery, light and sound merge into immersive experiences. The team pulls together experts from 3D design, architecture, cultural studies, sound design, media technology and project management to transform ideas into visual and auditory experiences. The CHRONOPORTALE project was created by: Daniel Fries, Till Botterweck, Viacheslav Romanov, Vanessa Kinder and Moritz Horn.
5. Theaterplatz (Theatre Square) – Opernhaus (Opera House)
“Mechanical Opera”
Humans have always endeavoured to expand their lives and horizons through technology. Through research, investigation and tireless dedication, sophisticated androids have now been created that inspire creativity, bring new visions of music and performance to life, and refine, elevate and beautify existence on Earth. While technology has, to date, mainly served economic or military purposes, here it is being used as a tool for cultural, spiritual and personal growth.
The project is the result of the artist’s passion for creating vintage-style robots using collage techniques, in search of a better future and a more conscious self. Mechanical Opera opens up a broad view of culture, technology and spirituality while reflecting the architecture and heritage of the Opera House – an imaginary space in which man and machine, sound and vision merge into one poetic unit.
Who’s the artist? Ari Dykier
Ari Dykier is a visual artist from Poland. He began his career as a filmmaker after studying at Camerimage Film School, but quickly discovered his passion for animation and collage techniques. Inspired by surrealist role models such as Jan Lenica, Bruno Schulz and the Brothers Quay, he develops his own poetic visual worlds that explore dreams, memories and the subconscious. His work combines vintage illustrations with modern technology, creating dreamlike 360° installations, projections, AR worlds and live audiovisual performances that draw on the tradition of surreal animation and the diversity of the arts. Dykier has exhibited his works at countless festivals around the world, including the Live Performers Meeting (Cape Town, Rome, Amsterdam), the Jerusalem Light Festival, Patchlab Kraków, 1Minute Projection Mapping in Tokyo, the Dome Under Festival Melbourne and many more. He has received numerous awards and international recognition, including first prizes at Art Vision Moscow and Schlosslichtspiele Karlsruhe, people’s choice awards, and reaching the finals of renowned mapping competitions.
6. Schillerplatz (Schiller Square)
“DIP”
Cyclical intervals of light and mist – one day in 30 minutes. This work was previously on display at LOV 2024 but is moving to a new location this year. The “DIP” installation consists of an illuminated sphere lying on the water, shrouded in mist. Its pulsating light traces the cyclical rising and setting of the sun, creating images of transience and recurrence. “DIP” is an atmospheric intervention in an urban space that places this everyday natural spectacle at the centre of our attention.
Who’s the artist? Jonas Vogt
Jonas Vogt is a Berlin-based set and lighting designer whose work encompasses theatre, installation and spatial design. His stage productions have been seen at the Bavarian State Theatre, the Berliner Ensemble and Factory International in Manchester. He has also created site-specific performances and installations for institutions such as the Villa Stuck in Munich. He regularly designs runway shows for Berlin Fashion Week.
7. Schillerplatz (Schiller Square) – Trees
“Unstable Fractal Orbs”
A digital relic of a lost civilisation, rendered in infinite geometry, where ancient foundations meet algorithmic synthesis. Algorithms produce complex, ever-evolving forms in harmony with natural structures. Unstable Fractal Orbs examines the intersection of fractal geometry and architectural history by projecting algorithmic formations onto tree leaves: artifacts suspended in nature. Influenced by Mayan structures and unidentified aerial phenomena, the work forms repeating geometric patterns reminiscent of pre-Hispanic architecture. These digital elements shift without losing their symmetry, mirroring ancient construction techniques. The piece was born of the artist’s curiosity about hidden structures and combines cultural heritage with computational imagery. It shows how mathematical concepts of the past lay the foundations for a new era and live on in digital form.
Who’s the artist? Rodrigo Guzman Cazares (aka ABDX)
Born in Mexico City in 1980, Rodrigo Guzman Cazares (also known as ABDX) now lives and works in Europe.
The electronic music composer and visual artist explores the essential characteristics of time in his works, translating this central motif into worlds of sound and imagery.
He has been developing live performances, site-specific interventions, installations and workshops alongside long-term projects since 2005. His artistic practice ranges from sound sculpting and audiovisual performances to generative, interactive design, data visualisations and AI-supported animation. His works constantly redefine the boundaries between music, art and technology.
His installations have been shown around the world, including in Mexico, Italy, Greece, Lithuania, the Netherlands, England, Belgium, Poland, Brazil and Germany. ABDX has also exhibited performances at international events such as LPM, Insanitus, Resonate, Rave Rebels, Ozora, DAAD, Filux, Athens Video Art Festival, FIMA, Kanal 103, and Festival Ciclo Mexico. His voice as an artist is well-established in the global experimental scene.
8. Aktienspinnerei Spinning Works – Central façade
“Engines of Light”
Welcome to an immersive journey of light that transforms part of the building’s façade into a living canvas of history, innovation and vision. The show begins with ethereal beams sketching out the future station in mid-air, capturing the moment when ideas are born – well before the first stone has been laid. Then a symbolic curtain of time parts to reveal chapters of the city’s industrial history: the locomotive factory igniting in golden sparks, gears spinning, steel awakening with purpose. The visionary Richard Hartmann steps out of history through animated portraits and hand-drawn sketches, embodying the spirit of invention. Trains surge across luminous landscapes, their glowing trails connecting nations. Finally, past blueprints rise to form the modern station, glowing as a monument to progress. Through layers of light, shadow and motion, the installation celebrates Chemnitz as a city that builds not just machinery, but enduring connections across time and space.
Who’s the artist? Magical Theatre Asha Kiran
Magical Theatre is a creative powerhouse dedicated to transforming spaces, ideas and emotions into unforgettable experiences. The team specialises in blending storytelling, technology and artistry to create immersive worlds that captivate audiences and inspire wonder. From grand sound and light spectacles on historic monuments to intimate cultural performances in contemporary spaces, Magical Theatre designs and delivers projects that resonate across generations. Its expertise spans projection mapping, interactive installations, theatrical productions and curated cultural events – all rooted in a deep respect for heritage, community and innovation.
Driven by a team of visionaries, designers, artists and technologists, it believes that every project is a stage and every audience member is a part of the story. The work is defined by meticulous research, seamless execution and a flair for the extraordinary. Whether it’s breathing life into history, crafting modern narratives or bringing global audiences together, Magical Theatre creates experiences that stay in the heart long after the lights fade.
City Centre – Walking Acts
“Herz an Herz” (“Heart to Heart”)
Created with heart, soul and passion, this production is set to astound. As night draws in, intrigue rises, the essence of kitsch takes on a starring role. The peacock proudly shakes his tail. Strides forward assertively. An explosion of colour. A stunningly vibrant and brightly illuminated figure. Get ready, here he comes!
Who’s the artist? Oakleaf
Over the years, OAKLEAF Streetshow has developed into a versatile collective that goes far beyond traditional street art. The original company gave rise to the cubes, a core team of five interdisciplinary artists specialising in the conception and implementation of complex communication projects. Performance, interactive art, socio-culture, multimedia, technology and science merge into an artistic language that deliberately breaks down the boundaries between artist and audience. The collective’s works centre around spaces for meeting and communication, bringing socially relevant topics to the forefront of discussion in public areas. The group’s multimedia productions combine contemporary media with analogue sensory techniques, leaving space for improvisation and playful interaction.
OAKLEAF regularly performs at major festivals in Europe, from parades and walking acts to colourful shows such as The Eccentrics and stilt art at the Bremen Carnival. With specialised projects such as Cubes of Communication, the group demonstrates its continuous onward development: from a street show ensemble to an innovative collective that combines art with social issues.
Brühl Promenade – Labyrinth of Lights (Friday 26 September only!)
“Lichterlabyrinth – als Mahnung und zur Hoffnung” (“Labyrinth of Light – a Symbol of Warning and Hope”)
… a path illuminated by candlelight, combining silence with music to create a sense of peace and mindfulness in our relationships with each other and towards nature.
Light as a symbol of life and guidance – the fundamental essence of the Labyrinth of Lights. Over 4,000 tealights in sand-filled paper bags form a path on which guests can walk from the outside in and back again – focused, invigorated, perhaps transformed. It is designed to be walked in silence or quietly, accompanied by music played and sung by the “100Mozartkinder” and their mentors. They will be joined by their Czech friends from the ZUŠ youth art school in Chomutov, Tuya Klangwerk, Stefan Weyh and Kelvin Kalvus. The magical stilt walkers from Las Fuegas will also be making their way through the installation.
The Labyrinth of Light can only be created if many people work together. So we want to invite you to join us for this special experience of collective creation:
– 5 pm Collective construction of the Labyrinth
– 7 pm Lighting of the tea lights
– 7.30 pm Labyrinth opens with Tuya Klangwerk
– 8 pm Stefan Weyh and Kelvin Kalvus
– 8.30 pm “100Mozartkinder” ensemble and their Czech friends from the ZUŠ youth art school in Chomutov
– 9.30 pm Tuya Klangwerk and dance
– 10 pm Stefan Weyh and Kelvin Kalvus
– 10.30 pm All musicians – performance with dance
– 11 pm Collective dismantling of the Labyrinth
Admission free, donations welcome
Who’s the artist? Sächsische Mozart-Gesellschaft e. V.
The Labyrinth of Lights is an artistic encounter between light, space and inspiration, presented by Sächsische Mozart-Gesellschaft e.V. and the event agency MIDEA GmbH as an installation for the Light our Vision 2025 Festival of Light Art. Supported by the City of Chemnitz and with funding from the Youth Culture Fund, the Labyrinth of Lights transports you into a fascinating interplay of colours, shapes and atmosphere. It is part of the “Mit vielfältigen Wurzeln die Zukunft gestalten | S rozmanitými kořeny tvořit budoucnost” project, which itself forms part of the Interreg Sachsen – Tschechien 2021–2027 programme. It is the result of a cooperation between the lead partner Sächsischer Musikrat e.V. and Sächsische Mozart-Gesellschaft e.V. in Saxony, and Základní umělecká škola T. G. Masaryka Chomutov from Czechia. Special thanks also go to Kreativachse Chemnitz for its valuable support.
Square at the Karl Marx Monument (Saturday 27 September only | 2 pm–7 pm)
“Platzvisionen – Mach’s zu deinem Platz” (“Visions of the square – make it yours”)
This is the highlight of the participatory component of the Festival: three elements, one goal – rethinking public spaces and redesigning them together.
Square Stories: Tales, memories and discoveries – Chemnitz residents share their stories about places in transition. Merging the past with the future! The Chemnitz.ZeitWeise app enables you to experience lost buildings digitally and hear their stories across generations.
Square Visions: Landscape architects and residents develop creative ideas for overlooked places. Campaigns, surveys and participatory events set these visions in motion.
Square Design: Ideas become reality. The area between Brückenstraße and the Kunstsammlungen art collections takes the spotlight. An architecture competition for students provides fresh impetus for the city centre. Everyone can choose their favourite from the submitted designs – the public’s top choice will be awarded a prize.
On 27 September, Chemnitz’s residents will get the chance to rediscover its squares and urban spaces and celebrate these ideas together. A colourful supporting programme that encourages everyone to get involved!
Who’s the artist? Baukultur for Chemnitz e.V.
The initiators:
- Andrea Alter, Dipl.-Ing., freelance landscape architect in Chemnitz, planA Andrea Alter Landschaftsarchitektin, member of the Capital of Culture 2025 working group and Baukultur für Chemnitz e.V.
- Hedda Schork, Dipl.-Ing., landscape architect, Büro ibb – Ingenieurbüro Bauwesen Chemnitz GmbH, member of the Capital of Culture 2025 working group
- Mario Friedrich, Dipl.-Ing. BDA, freelance architect in Chemnitz, Büro fried.A – Büro für Architektur, member of the Capital of Culture 2025 working group and Freunde des smac e.V.
- Dr Christina Michel, archaeologist, curator of the Staatliches Museum für Archäologie Chemnitz, board member of Freunde des smac e.V.
Chemnitz’s Square Vision(s) demonstrate how community involvement and creative ideas can revitalise public spaces. They improve local residents’ quality of life, strengthen the sense of community and citizens’ identification with their city.
Places are more than locations – they are experiences. They give the city character, and offer people space to develop and connect the past, present and future. Good design of these spaces is not a luxury, but an investment in quality of life, community and urban identity.
The programme is scheduled to run daily from 7.30–11 pm. Each show will last 5–10 minutes, with a 15-minute break in between
