THE MESSAGE IS LIGHT (2020)

‘The Message is Light’ (2020): Illuminating Hope and Unity in Challenging Times

In the midst of the global turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Belgian artist Tom Herck has orchestrated a powerful and emotionally resonant installation titled 'The Message is Light' (2020). Through this monumental artwork, Herck pays tribute to an array of individuals impacted by the pandemic, including healthcare workers, rescue teams, essential workers, and those who have been directly affected by the virus. While serving as a beacon of hope and unity, the installation also carries profound personal significance for the artist and his connection to his birthplace, St Truiden, Belgium.

This poignant installation, set against the backdrop of the Sint-Trudo hospital in St Truiden, features a colossal chandelier measuring 6 meters in diameter and 4.5 meters in height. The chandelier is adorned with 33 letterboxes, each affixed with a candle, evoking the timeless imagery of candlelit messages. The installation's visual impact is further elevated by suspending it 25 meters above the ground, giving it a majestic presence that commands attention.

The symbolism of 'The Message is Light' is deeply layered. It captures the spirit of camaraderie and solidarity that has emerged during these challenging times, emphasizing the importance of coming together to support and uplift one another. The chandelier's assembly of candles illuminates the significance of collective action, recognizing the efforts of a wide spectrum of individuals who contribute to the greater good—ranging from healthcare professionals battling the pandemic head-on to postmen, cashiers, factory workers, and countless others who continue to serve their communities amidst adversity.

The installation's process unfolds over the span of eight days, each holding a distinct phase and symbolic meaning. On the initial seven days, the chandelier remains suspended, poised as a visual tribute. During this period, Tom Herck uses his online presence to invite people to leave messages of support and encouragement across various social media platforms. These digital messages are then printed and placed within the letterboxes that grace the chandelier. This transformative act serves to fill the installation with a tangible representation of hope, solidarity, and shared humanity.

As night descends on the eighth day, the candles adorning the chandelier are ignited, imbuing the installation with a radiant glow that metaphorically embodies the collective strength that arises from unity. On the following day, the documents containing messages of support are carefully removed from the letterboxes, with the intention of delivering them to the dedicated staff and administration of the Sint-Trudo hospital. This step not only physically bridges the digital and physical realms but also underscores the profound impact of human connection, as these messages reach those who are at the forefront of battling the pandemic.

The artwork's title, 'The Message is Light,' is laden with symbolism. The act of kindling a candle has long held significant meaning in human rituals, representing a tangible means of transcending uncertainty and making the abstract concept of loss more tangible. By utilizing this powerful visual language, the installation unites ancient symbolism with modern technology, affirming the universality of human gestures in the face of adversity.

Furthermore, Herck's incorporation of the number 33 and the spacing of the chandelier's three rings at 1.5 meters each alludes to the principle of social distancing—recognizing the present reality while emphasizing the collective effort required to navigate these challenging times.

In its essence, 'The Message is Light' stands as a testament to the resilience and interconnectedness of humanity. It encapsulates the potential for transformation and renewal even amid the darkest of circumstances. Through this installation, Tom Herck transcends the physical and digital realms, channeling the power of art to foster empathy, uplift spirits, and facilitate meaningful connections. Just as a single candle's light can pierce the darkness, 'The Message is Light' radiates as an emblem of hope, illuminating the path towards a brighter future for all.

© 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.