a|rp|ay

Kanaal

Have you ever tried to touch light or sound? Exactly—you can’t. The wondrous waves and radiations can be heard or seen, yet they remain intangible. But is that really true? Discover the answer with a|rp|ay. Here, beams of light drive the music, and the music drives the light. And you are not just a spectator—you are the one who sets the installation in motion.

Normally, the wind is the driving force behind the gentle chiming of a wind chime in a garden. With a|rp|ay it’s different: here, you are in charge. Twelve beams of light form giant wind chimes. Chimes that you can actually play. That’s right—in this installation, light becomes tangible. And that makes for a truly unique experience.

No musical background? No problem. a|rp|ay can be played without any knowledge of notes or scales. By moving through the beams you create surprising harmonies and melodies. The work comes fully to life when you play together with others. The more people interact, the richer the music becomes. Whether intentional or spontaneous, you and your fellow visitors create the artwork together. And with every move, it sounds different.

This year marks twenty years of GLOW Eindhoven. You may already have seen a|rp|ay in 2023 at the Heuvel in Eindhoven. Artist Philip Ross is a regular guest at GLOW—perhaps you remember the Gibson searchlights in 2018 or the dancing light beams of Ballroom in 2021. Light beams and audience interaction are often at the heart of Ross’s work. That’s why his installations are worth revisiting: each time, you see and experience something new. Will you play along?

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About the artist

Philip Ross

Philip Ross creates interactive light environments that invite people to take action. His installations spark creativity and aim to inspire harmony between people. Studio Philip Ross combines insights and techniques from art, design and science, resulting in remarkable encounters—such as the light artwork a|rp|ay.

As Ross himself puts it: “How can light spark something between people? How can technology be shaped into something both new and familiar?”

Philip Ross trained as an industrial designer at TU Delft and as a researcher at TU Eindhoven. He exhibits internationally at light festivals, publishes on the subject of light, and speaks at conferences in the Netherlands and abroad. He is also a mentor at GLOW Academy, guiding students who participate in GLOW.

Light art. 2025.Light art. 2025.Light art. 2025.Light art. 2025. Light art. 2025.Light art. 2025.Light art. 2025.Light art. 2025.

Light art. 2025.