Light Cycle, by Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang, was an explosive event that illuminated Central Park with aerial drawings of light and fire on its 150th anniversary. Cai Guo-Qiang collaborated with the nation’s oldest fireworks company, Fireworks by Grucci, to develop a new technology employing programmable microchips in each shell, which enabled the artist to utilize fireworks as an expressive artistic medium.

Unfolding in three stages over five minutes, Light Cycle was designed to afford a variety of experiences from myriad vantage points, both within and surrounding Central Park. Simultaneously signifying renewal and wholeness, the project was intended as a blessing and a gift to New York City.

Photograph by Hiro Ihara

Cai Guo-Qiang

Light Cycle

Central Park

2003