Athens Welcomes a Mesmerizing Light Installation of a Bird in Flight
A striking light installation called Bird Passing By has arrived in Athens. Currently on display at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), the artwork invites visitors to look up and reflect on nature rather than down at their screens. The piece has already captivated audiences across Europe and beyond before landing in Greece this January.
The installation was created by the French collective Tandem, consisting of Yannick and Leïla Martin, in partnership with the Light Art Collection. It features a giant bird in flight, composed of 64 individual sculptures. Each sculpture represents a distinct phase of movement, inspired by early scientific studies of motion. Light and sound work together to animate the bird, making it appear to beat its wings and glide through the air.
Before reaching Athens, the artwork was showcased at major light festivals around the world. It appeared in Paris at Nuit Blanche in October 2023, in Singapore at the i Light Festival in June 2023, and in Lyon at the Fête des Lumières in December 2022. Each display drew crowds of all ages, with visitors pausing to watch the illuminated sequence unfold.
The installation's lighting patterns and spatialised soundscape mimic a bird's migration through different environments. Over time, the journey shifts to human-altered landscapes, subtly highlighting the impact of the Anthropocene. Viewers are encouraged to wander through the space, discovering new angles as the light sequence progresses.
Beyond its visual appeal, the piece carries a deeper message. It reflects on the decline of bird populations caused by human activity, urging observers to consider their relationship with nature.
The installation will remain at the SNFCC for a limited time, offering Athenians and tourists a chance to experience its blend of art and environmental reflection. By transforming a simple walk into an immersive encounter, Bird Passing By reminds audiences of the beauty of flight—and the fragility of the natural world.
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