Overview:
We aim to celebrate the existence of life and the sublime creative power of the Universe by bringing a new and exciting annual event to Melbourne.
Our event idea draws inspiration from the Japanese Toro Nagashi festival (translates as flowing lanterns). The Japanese people are passionate about this festival with thousands of people attending and over 8000 lanterns sent flowing down the river annually. Our event, a river of galaxies is designed to build on this idea by adding both scientific and artistic elements.
Utilizing the natural assets of Melbourne, we would like to float thousands of lanterns down the Yarra River through the city of Melbourne. The lanterns will be adorned with celestial images of galaxies, with each lantern being unique. The event is designed to artistically represent a single cosmic string (or filament) in the much grander Cosmic web.
Recently scientists discovered that the galaxy we inhabit, known as the Milkyway, is actually located in a much larger structure known as the Laniakea ‘immeasurable heaven’ supercluster. Within this supercluster whole galaxies flow through gravitational rivers. We see the Yarra river flow being used to visually represent the natural flow of galaxies within a filament of the great cosmic web. The visual impact of thousands of lanterns floating down the river will create a feeling of awe and connection between participants and the Universe.
The goal of the festival is to highlight our maturing as a species and our greater knowledge of the grand structure of the Universe and our place within it. We will also invite participants to reflect by asking them to write a personalized message on each lantern, in the space provided on the floating base. Messages might include sending a message to lost love, giving a message back to the Universe, letting go of past events, a statement of change in life direction or a message of thanks for existence.
