Brought to Hong Kong’s Central Harbourfront by American creative studio, Poetic Kinetics, this awe-inspiring artwork is the latest from Patrick Shearn‘s acclaimed Skynet Art Series. Composed of over 45,000 pieces of colorful sailcloth, the 700-square-meter sculpture fluttered above the harbor, creating a striking contrast against the skyline of Central.

What makes River of Light truly special is the light-reflecting band that runs through the center of the artwork, symbolizing a river that connects the past, present, and future of Hong Kong.  Rivers are natural connectors. They serve as pathways of life, connecting generations together throughout history and connecting different parts of the planet across great distances. By incorporating this powerful imagery, Shearn’s installation is able to evoke a sense of continuity and flow that speaks to the very heart of Hong Kong’s culture.

The River of Light installation is not just a beautiful work of art, but it also carries a message of hope and transformation. Water brings life, possibility, and change. The force of a river has the power to transform landscapes over time. By drawing on this imagery, Shearn is able to capture the essence of Hong Kong’s spirit, which has always been about resilience, adaptability, and transformation.

Over the course of its display in Wan Chai from June 5 – June 15, 2021, River of Light was visited by over 70,000 people, a testament to the power of art to bring people together to inspire.

Commissioned by Hong Kong Design Centre for Design District Hong Kong’s transFORM, the installation was exhibited among large-scale outdoor artworks by seven international artists throughout the city. These artworks were inspired by Hong Kong’s urban palette and fundamentally reimagined the public space of Harbourfront.