Festival of Lights, Lyon 4 261 1

In this painting I am inspired from France Annual Light Festival, how lights enhanced the detail and color of architecture. The Festival of Lights... more

by Mawra Tahreem

Title

Festival of Lights, Lyon 4 261 1

Artist

Mawra Tahreem

Medium

Painting - Acrylic Paints

Description

In this painting I am inspired from France Annual Light Festival, how lights enhanced the detail and color of architecture. The Festival of Lights in Lyon, France expresses gratitude toward Mary, mother of Jesus on December 6 to December 9 of each year. This uniquely Lyonnaise tradition dictates that every house place candles along the outsides of all the windows to produce a spectacular effect throughout the streets. The festival includes other activities based on light and usually lasts four days, with the peak of activity occurring on the 8th. The two main focal points of activity are typically the Basilica of Fourvière which is lit up in different colours, and the Place des Terreaux, which hosts a different light show each year. Thus, tradition now dictates that every family in Lyon keep, along with its Christmas decorations, a collection of stained or clear glass in which candles are burnt on windowsills on 8 December. These stout, fluted candles can be found in shops towards the end of November. Nowadays, the city council puts on professionally run performances. The people of Lyon's participation remains strong as evidenced by numerous façades lit up in the traditional way and by the throngs of people wandering the streets on 8 December. Historians and sociologists[who?] note the rather misinformed notions that the people of Lyon have concerning the celebration's origins: confusion over the thanks given to Mary, as well as the dates involved, leads people to think the celebration commemorates the establishment of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière or a wish granted after a plague supposedly struck in the 19th century. Nowadays, the festival draws 3 to 4 million people each year. Painting medium is acrylic paints and color palette inspired from festivals lights.

Uploaded

November 1st, 2016