Lightshows.

When “lightshows” are mentioned to many members of my generation, forbidden images of kids with wild eyes and pupils the size of marbles flash into one’s mind.  This fascinating- expression, if you will- is done by artistically brandishing an array of glowing items: from glow sticks to flashing bulbs, but the most common are white gloves with flashing devices in each of the fingers of the glove. As the artist moves to the music and the atmosphere, he or she craftily switches the modes on each of the devices back and forth from strobe, solid, or any speed of flashing and color change.

Not anyone can become and “lightshow artist”, however. The patterns and gestures that the artist does with their hands to create the psychadelic performance take much coordination, timing, and practice. Each show has a theme, too, depending on the song chosen.

The above photo is a true shot of a close friend of mine receiving a light show from an incredibly talented artist. He turns off the lights in his room, leaving only the glow of the computer screen as it streams out the symphony of shoegaze (which will be explored in a later blog) music. He advises his spectator to sit upright and cross-legged, for he will be soon be in his own universe and needs a particular space to perform his routine.

There is no rehearsal prior to the show- only true talent “vibe-ing” out to music. And just like any performer, the artist loves to strike the spectator with stupor. The experience is oddly intimate, which I observed during my first light show session. The artist is nearly straddling his or her spectator, giving them a show that, under certain drug-induced circumstances, gives them pleasure. 

After receiving a light show from an acquaintance under the moonlight, he told me of a rave at which he gave three hours of lightshows, non-stop. 

“I seriously just passed out when I was done,” he said as he compared techniques with his friend.

The craft can be exhausting, but a true artist is always practicing and urging their friends to sit, stare, and be entertained. 

Although experimentation with drugs is generally identified with selfish intentions, the customs that come from the experimental cultures on the fringes of society are beautiful and unique.

Check them out, you just may want to learn the art!