Charles Pétillon

Lumières Shanghai is a festival of temporary light-based public art held at Xintiandi, a commercial and lifestyle centre in Shanghai, China. Embracing local and international artists and performers, the 2018-19 event celebrates the holiday season, engaging thousands of visitors in vibrant light experiences.

French artist Charles Pétillon engaged UAP to realise Atomes, a temporary public art experience and iconic destination for the Lumières Festival. An illuminated organic exterior invites visitors inside the structure where they are encouraged to add to the experience by leaving behind white balloons — becoming part of the overall internal experience. These inflated balloons move softly and freely, propelled into the air by a fan-based wind system underfoot. Pétillon utilises air, light and the weightlessness of each balloon to create an ethereal experience changing each day as more balloons are inflated.