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Encountering a sea of taillights in New York City typically isn't a good thing. That usually means traffic, gridlock and frustration. But this weekend on Governors Island, those red and white lights will be a welcome sight during the immersive art installation Firebird.
Firebird, described as a "hypnotic, genre-defying visual arts performance" uses 500 recycled car taillights to create an orchestra of light. The open-air light experience will blend with music inspired by Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite. The project by Amsterdam-based artist collective Touki Delphine is making its New York City debut on October 3-4 at the Governors Island Parade Ground. Tickets are on sale now for $20 (plus ferry transit, which you've got to coordinate on your own).
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Upon arrival from the ferry, each guest will receive a shimmering metallic cape to wear, kickstarting the spectacle en route to the show. Guided by the artists themselves, this glittering collective will make its way to the Parade Ground—set against the dramatic Lower Manhattan skyline—where Firebird bursts to life in a hypnotic dance of synchronized light, courtesy of 500 recycled car taillights that have been salvaged from scrapyards in the Northeastern United States, all set to Touki Delphine’s contemporary composition.
Inspired by composer Igor Stravinsky’s 1919 Firebird Suite, Firebird pays homage to his musical creations with a performance centered around a massive wall of light designed to illuminate the dance of the firebird. The unique sensory journey allows visitors to revel in the glowing celebration and hypnotic display that will illuminate this secluded part of New York City. After the event ends, ticket-holders can stick around for a post-show gathering with the artists.
For the team behind Firebird, Governors Island was a natural fit for their New York City show.
"We make art using recycled materials, not only the taillights are recycled, but we've taken Stravinsky's rhythms and melodies and warped and recycled them, giving the piece new life. Governors Island not only has an inspiring zero-waste initiative, but the island itself was created partly from landfill materials, making it seem an excellent match for our artistic wall of trash," Chris Doyle, co-artistic director of Touki Delphine, said in a press release.
The island itself was created partly from landfill materials, making it seem an excellent match for our artistic wall of trash.
The performance was originally created in The Netherlands in 2019 and has been touring throughout Europe and the United States since.
The concept, music and visuals for FIREBIRD are by Bo Koek, Rik Elstgeest, Chris Doyle and John van Oostrum. The installation concept is by John van Oostrum, and it is designed by Touki Delphine with assistance from Theun Mosk.
"This work is a luminous ode to reinvention and rebirth that will dazzle the senses and provide an unforgettable experience, as well as a fitting celebration of transformation as we mark the Island’s 20th year open to the public," Juan Pablo Siles, associate curator at the Trust for Governors Island, said in a press release.