How it started.
It started when I was in a place in my life where I felt a lack of purpose, often isolated and searching for ways to make light art in a more inclusive way. I knew what I was passionate about creating, but not how to make it meaningful. I was no longer interested in making just a pretty picture people would 'like', I also wanted them to become actors of that image, thus becoming engaged as a group.
One summer night, during a discussion with a friend, I learned one could incorporate a group of people improvising together within a mandala structure. Traditionally done with colored sand in India, the drawing is then blown or swept away. I thought, if there was a giant one that would be inclusive and symbolic. What if I could paint a light mandala with groups of people? That is how the Cha Light Project came about.
Hi.
My name is Chanette Manso.
I put into play large scale participatory photography events, in public places. As a light artist with a background in dance and photography, I look for new ways of seeing and feeling image in daily society.
Photographing light in movement, has surprised me with unexpected images recharging my imagination. I hope that in engaging people helps to expand their imagination.
I have pioneered light painting for 27 years and actively build it's international community by giving performances, demonstrations, and conferences for all kinds of events.
See my CV here.
Burning questions
My burning questions are :
- How does image affect our subconscious?
- What kind of images do we long for?
- How do we experience image today?