Students from LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore took part in a new project which challenged them to create lamps inspired by Diwali, the Festival of Lights, one of the oldest and most important Indian festivals.

The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their houses, to symbolise the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.

The focus of project SURYA aims to create innovative lighting concepts, capable of synthesising technology and cultural references to give life to suggestive sensory experiences within common spaces.

The exhibition will be held in the heritage Brian&Barry building located at the corner between Via Durini and San Babila, a few steps from Piazza Duomo. The exhibition will showcase original creations by students from LASALLE’s BA(Hons) Product Design programme.

The young designers have brought different interpretations and inspirations into their works, designed with particular attention paid to sustainability by using natural materials and solar energy to power their creation.

Lite by Lo Ho Yin is inspired by oil lamps, a traditional form of illumination that is still used today. It is said to represent good health, wealth, and prosperity. Lite is a minimalist take on an oil lamp that offers a soothing warm light to aid concentration.

Cactrio by Amelia Teo is a set of three lamps that combines an organic form with rattan, a natural fiber that helps to create a cosy and warm atmosphere. Its cactus shape makes it unique and organic.  Nepenthes by Dawvien Ong is inspired by the homonymous carnivorous plant, nepenthes. Just like how insects are attracted to lights, the lamp is a sculptural piece that encapsulates this aspect of Mother Nature. The perforations along the body creates a sensational lighting effect on the surroundings.  LiLamp by Garric Leong was designed to be a decorative feature in a home's outdoor garden pond, or a public space. Similar to the water lily which is used as a decorative plant in still water ponds, it simulates photosynthesis during the day, drawing energy from the sun through its solar panels. At night it releases light, illuminating the environment.

Memphis Milano features the creations Glo.o.ow by Yoo Hae Joo and Tre Petali by Sebrina Eng. Glo.o.ow is a floor lamp designed to bring a sense of warmth and fun to its surroundings through its ambient light and visual play that is created when the rattan is illuminated producing subtle reflections that spread throughout the room. Powered by solar energy, the product is easily charged by flipping it horizontally. Tre Petali, on the other hand, takes up the combination of colors from the Memphis Group, with its iconic red, teal and blue tones in contrast with brass. This lamp combines the characteristics of petals, wind and spring light. The curved petal shades slide through the middle rod, bouncing off light to create a soft glow.

Light, flanked by the sun and by its antithesis the shadow, is the link between the lamps created by Phua Yu Ting, Celia Lee and Sameeksha Bugata. Ventus by Phua Yu Ting is an outdoor hanging lamp that celebrates light, sound, materials and shapes. It is a perfect addition to outdoor spaces both in the day and at night. Its colourful acrylic panels act like wind chimes, gently striking each other in a breeze. Ventus adds positive energy to its surroundings and enhances special moments. Luma by Celia Lee is a table lamp inspired by the solar eclipse, emphasising the motion of the moon overlapping the sun. The phenomenon is brought to life through the use of brass to create a rough texture similar to the moon’s surface with the rotational light disc mimicking the eclipse's motion. The Silhouette of Clessidra by Sameeksha Bugata displays the rotation of the sun, the passage of time through an alluring visual experience of moving shadows. At night, Clessidra’s glowing lines and create the perfect mood lighting for outdoor decks and balconies to enhance convivial moments.

Community Table by Ellaine Viel Garcia is inspired by void deck tables, a common fixture at public housing space in Singapore that is used for social and recreational activities. The lamp recalls the nostalgia of get-togetherness wherever it is placed. The Lumere lamp by Lwee Jia Ming, on the other hand, looks towards the past and gives a modern twist to the traditional oil lamp, which was used to light up homes after sunset. The large brass reflector helps to spread light coming from the glowing orb.

Nafas by Hariz Ilmani bin Zulkefli is a celebration of the vernacular nature of artisanal glass blowing. Its form is a translation of the art itself. As its name suggests, Nafas means breathe in the Malay language. When turning it on, one can relate to the process of glass blowing as if the lamp 'breathes' as light 'grows'. The bubbles in the glass and the raw copper tubing further emphasise the pride of artisanal craftsmanship that Nafas aims to convey.

Finally, Snacc by Lim Kay Li is inspired by a well-loved Indian snack known for its sweetness and vibrant orange colour.  This lamp evokes carefree memories of childhood. The spiral neon lights are youthful and whimsical while the stand is sleek and sturdy. Perfect for cosy evenings on the balcony, the LED neon lights are powered by a solar panel that stores energy during the day.

The exhibition is open to the public from 18th to 23rd April on the second floor of the Brian&Barry Building. On 20th April at 17:30, the student designers will be present to meet visitors and talk about their work.

18th to 23rd April 2023

h 10:15 / 19:00

At The Brian&Barry Building, San Babila, Milano

Organised by Prodes Italia

Vernissage: Thursday 20th April 2023 – h. 17.30

About LASALLE College of the Arts

Asia’s leading contemporary arts and design institution.

LASALLE College of the Arts offers 30 diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in fine arts, design communication, interior design, product design, film, animation, fashion, dance, music, theatre, arts management, arts pedagogy and practice, arts and cultural leadership, art therapy, Asian art histories and creative writing.

LASALLE provides a nurturing, interdisciplinary learning environment to inspire the next generation of forward-looking, globally engaged artists, designers and leaders of creative industries.

LASALLE is ranked within the top 151-200 institutions globally for art and design (QS World University Rankings 2023). LASALLE is part of the new University of the Arts Singapore which will open its doors for its first degree intake in 2024.

COMPANY PROFILE: This event is an initiative of the Prodes Italia group, which has been operating for years in the field of fine jewelry, design and art. Prodes Italia, the founder of the now consolidated annual event Artistar Jewels, aims to reflect the same uniqueness and style in this new project as well. In 2019 the company created the first edition of the Milano Jewelry Week, the Milanese Week that celebrates the history, tradition and innovation of the fascinating world of international jewellery.

Press Contacts

Prodes Italia Press Office

press@prodesitalia.com

+39 02 3658 0208