Image: Star of Bethlehem by Jayson Haebich. Laser light projection on fine mesh screen, sited in the nave crossing at Salisbury Cathedral.
All works are courtesy of the artist.
Jayson Haebich: Star of Bethlehem
at Salisbury Cathedral 2016, Ely Cathedral 2017 and Chichester Cathedral 2018
LARGE SCALE LIGHT INSTALLATIONS
It became a tradition at Salisbury Cathedral to commission an artist to create a Star of Bethlehem to accompany the Advent and Christmas liturgy. In 2015 I found a young innovative and creative coding artist, Jayson Haebich to interpret the theme in a fresh new way. The interactive laser star motif was so successful it travelled in various iterations to both Ely and Chichester Cathedrals.
At Salisbury Cathedral the Star of Bethlehem was created by using two laser projectors set high in the Triforium. The star was represented as a morphing geometric shape moving slowly and gracefully across a transparent screen, at Salisbury this was positioned in the Nave Crossing. The star shapes geometries change gradually over time, this is created algorithmically by code which means that the exact shape will not be repeated as the star shape constantly evolves.
The installation offered an interactive element through an iPad located on the cathedral floor, this interactivity engages the viewer directly with the work, offering an opportunity to express their creativity and create their own star using a palette of colours and shapes.
Images: 3 iterations of the Star of Bethlehem by Jayson Haebich at Salisbury Cathedral. Laser light projections, continually changing star forms.
Star of Bethlehem at Ely Cathedral 2017
Another iteration of Jaysons star at Ely Cathedral was placed directly over the entrance to the Quire. Haze was used to display the laser beams in three- dimension giving the impression of the star mysteriously hovering above the centre of the Cathedral.
“We are delighted to have such a magnificent representation of visual art on display at Ely. The Star of Bethlehem led the three wise men to witness the birth of Jesus and is known throughout the Christian world as a symbol of purpose and direction. It is fitting to have such an eye-catching interpretation above the nave of the Cathedral to guide us and to inspire us throughout Advent and Christmastide.”
Images: 3 iterations of the Star of Bethlehem by Jayson Haebich at Ely Cathedral. Laser light projections, continually changing star forms.
Star of Bethlehem at Chichester Cathedral 2018
The final commission of the Star of Bethlehem was exhibited above the Arundel screen at Chichester Cathedral and inspired the Chichester Starlight Trail in partnership with Pallant House Gallery and the Novium Museum.
Star of Bethlehem by Jayson Haebich at Chichester Cathedral. Laser light projection with haze, sited above the Arundel Screen.
“It is this concept of capturing attention and drawing people in that is the inspiration behind my proposed installation, the interactivity engages the public directly with the work giving it a more inclusive feel to the project.”
Photography by Ash Mills