If you’re a Delhiite, you will frequently pass by “Sprouts,” the bulbous stainless steel installation on the AIIMS flyover. Signifying progress and growth, the installation has become synonymous with Delhi’s visual landscape. The person behind them is award-winning artist Vibhor Sogani, who is now showcasing his luminous new work “Deepam” at the 13th Amsterdam Light Festival (ALF) from November 28, 2024, to January 19, 2025.
Inspired by the flickering oil lamps that define the festival of Diwali and in accordance with the ALF’s theme of “Rituals,” “Deepam” is a live, moving exhibit that transforms the Herengracht canal into a shimmering symphony of hope and renewal. Consisting of 70 handcrafted lanterns in polished brass spread across 100 metres, the installation was a challenging process for Delhi-based Sogani, who was inspired by a deeply personal memory of his mother when he conceived of the project.
“Every evening, she would light a diya, a small lamp, and carry it around the house, spreading warmth and positivity. It was such a simple act, but it held so much meaning,” Sogani says. “When the Amsterdam Light Festival asked me to interpret a ritual, this memory came alive. I realised that this small, everyday practice connects to something universal. It made me think of the floating candles on Indian river ghats and how they create this mesmerising, sacred atmosphere. I wanted to take that and translate it into something grand, something people across the world could connect with.”
The lanterns combined craftsmanship with technology, as each piece was handcrafted from polished brass to reflect and amplify light. The flames had to feel alive, so Sogani developed lights that mimicked the flicker of real fire. The process took a long time, especially during the experimentation phase. Figuring out how the lanterns would float and developing the flame effect took six to seven months. The entire process spanned almost a year, from the initial ideation phase to completing all 70 pieces. However, the biggest obstacle to putting “Deepam” together was the canal’s unpredictable environment.
“The water level changes by 12 to 15 inches [every hour], so the lanterns needed to float without drifting or sinking. The ALF team designed an underwater telescopic framework that allowed them to move up and down with the water while staying in place. Another challenge was perfecting the light itself. It had to look and feel like a natural flame. These weren’t simple problems to solve, but they pushed us to innovate, and that’s always exciting,” he says.
Amsterdam also has a special place in Sogani’s heart, who has visited the city multiple times. His memories of the “compact city” are one that “brims with treasures of cosy cafés, delightful restaurants and quaint local stores tucked into every corner, each whispering its own story. There’s this charm in the small details. For me, Amsterdam is both fun and profound. Every time I visit, I discover something new, and I think that’s what makes it so special. It’s a city with depth, and it resonates with me in ways few places do.”
It’s a statement that can be adapted to the artistic vocation that has been Sogani’s life. The process of taking an idea and transforming it into something tangible is what he calls a “magical journey.” Being an artist, says Sogani, has given him the freedom to experiment, push boundaries and express ideas in ways that resonate with people. “There’s nothing quite like it,” he says.
As for what he hopes people take away from “Deepam,” he keeps it simple. “I want people to feel a connection, not just to the installation but to the idea behind it. It’s more than just a beautiful artwork or a selfie spot. I hope it triggers curiosity about the ritual, about the culture it comes from. For me, it’s about celebrating something deeply rooted in my heritage while making it accessible to a global audience. If someone walks away feeling a sense of wonder or a spark of warmth, I’d consider it a success,” he says.
“This project had a lot of heart; it needed to evoke emotion. That’s why so much human intervention went into it—every detail, every curve of the lantern had to carry the essence of the ritual.”
With “Deepam” now out of the way, Sogani is currently working on installations for museums and cities overseas and experimenting with new techniques and materials to keep his ideas fresh. “It’s a busy time, but that’s what keeps me going,” he says.
The Amsterdam Light Festival has been a yearly tradition for the last 12 years, lighting the city in the darkest months. This year’s edition coincides with Amsterdam's 750th founding anniversary. From November 28, 2024, to January 19, 2025, visitors will be treated to 27 unique light artworks created by artists worldwide, which can be admired by boat, foot or bike. Vibhor Sogani’s “Deepam” can be seen at the Herengracht canal.
