The gift from the Port of Klaipėda to the city – a 25-meter-high illuminated artistic installation.
Jan 17
The city of Klaipėda, washed by the waves of the sea, now has another symbol of its identity. At the cruise ship terminal, an illuminated artistic installation titled "First Beacon. For Bright Waiting" has been installed – a gift from the Port of Klaipėda to the city.
“A lighthouse, a guide, a beacon – these are like letters from the language of ships. These are signs inviting them to enter the port. Let this symbolic beacon also invite people to the port city – Klaipėda – with its light. It is a sign that seems to have descended from the city's coat of arms and stood at the port. There is never too much light, history, and togetherness,” says Algis Latakas, the Director General of the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.
A beacon is a navigation sign used to mark a sea route. They were usually built along coastlines, river mouths, or other waterway locations to help ships orient themselves, avoid dangers, and navigate safely.
The symbolism of the beacon can also be seen in the coat of arms of the City of Klaipėda. In it, the beacon, along with other elements, reflects Klaipėda's identity as a maritime city. Shipping, trade, and maritime culture have been important to Klaipėda since ancient times.
The structure of the artistic installation was created using approximately 4 tons of steel pipes and cable tensioners, forming a web of strings that, depending on wind strength, creates patterns of geometric motifs. The integrated LED strips used for lighting span almost a kilometer in length.
The author of the "First Beacon. For Bright Waiting" project is architect and artist Mantas Maziliauskas. His work combines modern architecture with conceptual art, aiming to create spaces that are not only functional but also inspiring. The architect is recognized for his ability to incorporate artistic installations into everyday spaces, thereby redefining the experience of public places.