Portland Winter Light Festival: February 3rd through 11th

The Portland Winter Light Festival is back!

Last year I found the map more navigable and detailed, so while I did check out a few other things I focused on the downtown hubs: Pioneer Courthouse Square, the World Trade Center, and the Waterfront.

The Square was surrounded by people, frequently exclaiming: I arrived in the middle of the fire performance.

This ice sculpture was not only interesting in its own right, but its carving was done on site, scheduled as part of the entertainment.

There was music and dancing at the World Trade Center and on the Waterfront as well, though there was more additional light art at the WTC, along with more vendors.

This requires further investigation.

I do not remember the festival including the second floor last year, but the decoration of the sky bridge was a great touch.

I appreciated that for all of the new things, that some of last year's items returned, possibly repurposed or added to. I really liked the Glow Cats.

Or familiar artists added new works.

Some items from last year were also included in the separate Project Illumination, but those items were not lit last night, possibly to avoid competition.

Giving people a chance to create art allows for creativity and re-examination. For example, here light is directed through steel, creating a pattern of leaves and light.

But notice that in the background there are other shadows. These come from illuminated ferns in the same window.

If you look at these aspects differently after seeing them in this way, well, that's art. That is one value of the festival.

Another thing that I think helps is the interactivity. That is not just the dance parties, but exhibits that respond to human movement, things you can touch, and places you can enter.

Plus, with many people wearing their own illuminated clothing, or carrying their own illuminated props, the line between booked entertainers and enthusiastic participants can blur.

I think another important role the festival plays is taking that cold and rainy post-Christmas time and creating something beautiful and unique and filled with variety.

There are many ways to use light to make art, and even if you do not find all of them equally delightful, there should be at least a few things that appeal to you.

It is a winter's night, but that night is full of stars.

https://pdxwlf.com/