German artist creates canvas art by projecting light onto natural surfaces

German Artist Phillip Frank has created masterpieces that play tricks with the stark contrast of light and shadows as well as projection mapping to create light sculptures. The closing ceremony of the Sā Ladakh, Asia’s highest contemporary land art group exhibition witnessed both, spirituality and the natural world during the projection of light on the natural surface. He was invited to the Sā Ladakh festival to showcase his captivating art in the mountains.  

Artists from diverse backgrounds assembled in the stunning expanse of Sā Ladakh where they showcased their "awe-inspiring creations". This was part of an exceptional art exhibition held at the highest elevation in South Asia, on August 1, 2023. In the exhibition, the artists mainly focused on climate, culture and community, reported ANI.  

The artists used their artworks' transformative power to spread a crucial message about conserving precious natural resources and instilling a profound appreciation for nature, which has been dealing with dire climatic upheavals, including the ominous spectre of global warming.

Sā Ladakh's breathtaking exhibition 

In the exhibition, beautiful site-specific art installations, cutting-edge video projections, and sculptures were displayed against the scenic Disko Valley near Leh with artists delving into the interpretation of climate optimism. Sā Ladakh featured work by Ladakhi, Indian, and international artists that include Nikolaus Geyrhalter, Phillip Frank, Sharbendu De, Jigmet Angmo, Vibha Galhotra, Skarma Sonam Tashi, Tsering Gurmet Kungyam, Sagardeep Singh and Tsering Motup. 

Taking to X, formally known as Twitter, the German Embassy India wrote, "Light installation by German artist Philipp Frank overlooking Leh. The land art exhibition Sā Ladakh is Germany’s cultural contribution to India’s @g20org presidency." The tweet has an attached video, in which one can see that the German artist has created an audio-visual show around the theme of water.

Light installation by German artist Philipp Frank overlooking Leh. The land art exhibition Sā Ladakh is Germany’s cultural contribution to India’s @g20org presidency. pic.twitter.com/a2SFeM1vss

— German Embassy India (@GermanyinIndia) August 22, 2023

German artist shares his experience

Frank shared how he utilised light as a medium to create spellbinding artworks at such high terrain, during an Interview with ANI.  Frank said, “I started to create art when I was just a 14-year-old. I took some spray cans from the garage and started to do graffiti first." He said that he had pursued arts leading to a full-fledged successful street art career.

Frank, living in Munich, began with pictures which were further followed by the projected light on different natural surfaces – from tree trunks to mushrooms to rocks. While sharing his experience about such a prestigious opportunity, the German artist said, "I started with pictures and went on to projection mapping and pattern to share my vision of what I perceive and receive from nature artistically and make it visible for my audience”.