THE MESSAGE IS LIGHT (2020)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Belgian artist Tom Herck created The Message is Light (2020), a large chandelier installation at Sint-Trudo hospital in St. Truiden. It honors healthcare workers, essential staff, and all affected by the crisis, including Herck’s own community.

The chandelier, 6 meters wide and 4.5 meters high, hangs 25 meters above ground and contains 33 mailboxes with candles—symbolizing messages of hope. For a week, the public could submit supportive messages online, which were printed and placed inside the chandelier. On the eighth day, the candles were lit, and the next day, the messages were delivered to hospital staff.

The 33 mailboxes represent the human spine, reflecting the support of medical workers, while 1.5-meter gaps between the rings reference social distancing. The installation blends light, symbolism, and community to offer hope and unity in a time of crisis.

Would you like a version that's even shorter or tailored for a specific use, like a social media post or exhibit label?

© Text by Lara van Oudenaarde
© Photos by Erik Jamar

Special thanx: Vandebroek interieur, Heylen Inox en Staal Creaties, STVV, Buro K, Yontec NV, Kris Mathijs, Spaas Kaarsen, Hubo, Ijzerwaren Pirard, Ulu Kraan Service.