W O M EN IN EN TE RTAINM E NT LIG H TING: C O L L ECTED L IGH T, VOLUME TH RE E Hosted at Ayrton’s newly expanded headquarters south of Paris, Light Collective invited MONDO-DR, along with numerous light artists, manufacturers, installers, and experts, to celebrate the release of the third edition of its Collected Light book series.
Collected Light: Women in Entertainment Lighting, is the third in a series of books from Light Collective, led by Sharon Stammers and Martin Lupton, that spotlights female luminary artists and their work. This recent edition follows Light Collective broadening its focus into the entertainment technology industry, an organisational foray that has been supported by Ayrton since its beginning. Therefore, it felt fitting for Ayrton to house the book’s launch in the upgraded demonstration room of its headquarters in Villebon-Sur-Yvette. Flown over by Ayrton, all women involved in the book, along with many supporters and experts, were present for the launch. The crowd was filled with more than 80 industry members from all over the globe, each with a different job role, history, and lighting experience. The day began with a talk from Stammers and Lupton, who shared the story of the book’s inception. Light Collective’s Women in Lighting initiative led the organisation to the curation of this third edition, Women in Entertainment Lighting, which contains interviews with a multitude of female light experts. The introduction of the book, written by Stammers and Lupton, reads: “By highlighting the achievements of women in this field, we not only acknowledge their invaluable contributions but also challenge the
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stereotypes and barriers that have hindered their recognition. This book aims to elevate these stories, offering a platform for acknowledgement and appreciation. Through these pages, we seek to celebrate the artistry, ingenuity, and perseverance of women in entertainment lighting.” Four women interviewed in volume three then delivered presentations on their work with light. These guests lectured on diverse topics: Christina Thanasoula (Greece) spoke about her lighting designs for outdoor theatre, Clara Daguin (France) on her work with light and fashion, Clementine Fletcher-Smith (UK) on light and architecture, and Lauren King (USA) on the world of rock and roll. Attendees were also treated to a colourful light show of Ayrton products, before the day was rounded out with evening celebrations. While researching the book, Light Collective reached out internationally to many women working in this field. The Women in Lighting team revealed: “The result is by no means exhaustive, and there are countless women who deserve to be included and who Light Collective hopes to connect with in the future.” www.womeninlighting.com www.ayrton.eu