'grace light' illuminates san francisco cathedral with ephemeral atmosphere

illuminate, a san francisco-based nonprofit, and grace cathedral present ‘grace light,’ a site-specific, large-scale immersive light installation. created by berkley-based artist and designer george zisiadis, with an original score composed by san francisco-based music composer gabriel gold, ‘grace light’ will be welcomed into the episcopal church in the heart of san francisco to offer visitors the chance to experience the installation free with advance registration starting on monday, october 21st.

all images © henrik kam

visitors to ‘grace light’ by george zisiadis and gabriel gold look upward through a slight atmospheric haze and are enveloped in a 100-foot-tall shifting curtain of light. while either lying down within the labyrinth or standing just outside the light curtains, visitors experience a 15-minute journey of synchronized light and sound as light emanates from the eaves directly above grace cathedral’s famed labyrinth. ben davis, founder and ceo of illuminate comments: ‘grace light elicits awe, which moves you from your head to your heart. we’re honored and humbled at the opportunity to work with grace cathedral to present a public work of art in this sacred space.’

through grace light, the artists hope to create a space for contemplation, self-discovery, and healing. the presentation of ‘grace light’ in grace cathedral is another seminal public art installation for illuminate, the organization that brought leo villareal’s the bay lights to san francisco’s bay bridge. the realization of zisiadis’ work of art was made possible by a visionary gift of a powerful 30k-lumen projector from vulcan inc. dacher keltner, professor of psychology at UC berkeley comments: ‘grace light is an aesthetic adventure into the nature of the mind, personal epiphany, consciousness, and the soul.’

project info:

project title: grace light

artists: george zisiadis and gabriel gold

location: 1100 california street, grace cathedral, san francisco, california

collaborators: illuminate, vulcan inc

opening date: october 21st

photography: © henrik kam