Lightscape by Doug Aitken debuts in Los Angeles: a visionary fusion of sound and imagery

The innovative multimedia artwork Lightscape, crafted by the visionary artist Doug Aitken in collaboration with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale, is set to make its world premiere at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on November 16, 2024. This pioneering endeavor is a contemporary mythos driven by sound, asking the profound questions, “where are we now?” and “where are we going?” The premiere is a highlight of the LA Phil’s daylong new music festival, Noon to Midnight: Field Recordings, and is part of the PST Art: Art & Science Collide initiative. Grant Gershon, the Kiki & David Gindler Artistic Director of the Master Chorale, will lead the LA Phil New Music Group and the Los Angeles Master Chorale in a live-to-picture performance, creating a hypnotic series of original soundscapes and minimalist compositions to accompany Aitken’s vivid moving images.

Exploring the Narrative

At the heart of Lightscape lies a full-length film, a multiscreen artistic presentation, and a sequence of live musical events. The story is an engrossing, dreamlike depiction of our modern reality, portraying an impending future just on the edge of sight. It races across the varied sceneries of the American West Coast like a flowing, cohesive dream, effortlessly transitioning from one character to another without relying on dialogue or traditional dramatic frameworks. Rather, the audience embarks on an unexpected series of linked encounters, entirely driven by the rhythm of sound and melody. The characters within Lightscape are perpetually in transit, exploring an untamed, beautiful, and occasionally eerie modern environment.

The Artistic Collaboration

Lightscape represents a creative convergence between Doug Aitken, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. This project is furthered by generous support from the Marciano Art Foundation, Birdrib Productions, Maria Seferian, and the Hillenburg Family, along with additional backing from the Arison Arts Foundation, Joni and Miles Benickes, Peter and Elizabeth Goulds, L.A. Louver, and Ron and Pamela Mass. The music, a central component of Lightscape, interlaces original pieces by Doug Aitken with the collaboration of Grant Gershon and the Los Angeles Master Chorale, complemented by orchestral performances delivered by the Los Angeles Philharmonic under Gustavo Dudamel’s direction. The vocal arrangements employ minimalistic text, repeating and merging words to form an abstract sonic mosaic, transitioning between Aitken’s innovative compositions and timeless works by celebrated minimalists like Philip Glass, Steve Reich, and Meredith Monk.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles, a city renowned for its vibrant arts scene, offers a plethora of experiences for both occasional and expert travelers. For those visiting for the first time, attending the premiere of Lightscape at the Walt Disney Concert Hall is a must. This event not only showcases the innovative spirit of Los Angeles but also provides a unique opportunity to witness a collaboration between some of the city’s most esteemed cultural institutions. For seasoned travelers, exploring the Marciano Art Foundation’s immersive installation of Lightscape from December 17, 2024, through March 15, 2025, offers a deeper dive into the narrative’s non-linear storytelling, inviting viewers to create their own experiences within the labyrinthine design.

Concluding, Lightscape is more than just an art installation; it is a reflection on the rapid technological advancements of our time and a call to reconsider our perceptions of progress. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Los Angeles offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences that challenge and inspire. As you explore the city, take a moment to reflect on the questions posed by Lightscape and consider how art can shape our understanding of the future.