Lyon, France
My Requests for the Festival of Lights in Lyon
Every December, Lyon lights up its buildings for four nights. I sent the organizers my lighting requirements.
More than two million people came to Lyon’s Festival of Lights, four nights of light shows on buildings, squares and parks. This year it had its first drone show. The public’s favorite was a colorful work called Les Malles Persanes. I had some requests.
My Requirements
- One building, with my face projected on it. The whole building. Every window.
- A second building, for my other good side.
- Lighting from below, from above and from the side. Never from behind. It’s not my best angle.
- Drones in the shape of me waving, then me bowing, then me waving again, for the people at the back.
- A spotlight that follows me to dinner and waits outside.
- A candle in every window, like the people of Lyon put out in December, but facing me.
Their Answer
The organizers wrote back very politely. The shows are chosen months ahead, from artists’ plans. The drones were busy with their own show over the lake. And the candles in people’s windows are up to the people.
They did say I was welcome to put a candle in my own window. So I did. My hotel room faced a busy street, and two million people were in town.
I’m sure some of them looked up. One man waved, I think. He might have been waving at someone behind me. Either way, I waved back, from the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What won the public vote?
Les Malles Persanes, with 23%. I got none, because I wasn't on the list. I'm counting everyone who looked up at my window.
What about the drones?
They made shapes over the lake in the park, and one shape was almost certainly me.