Jen Lewin: The Pool

Overview

This year's Brisbane Festival is going big on art, featuring the event's largest-ever visual arts program. That means that it's going big on free fun, too — because plenty of its dazzling sights are popping up around town in outdoor spots, letting Brisbanites enjoy their wonders without spending a cent.

Head to the Festival Garden at South Bank from Tuesday, September 6–Saturday, September 24 to see one such glorious display, which hails from New York artist Jen Lewin. The Pool is bringing its 100-plus light pads to Brisbane and, yes, you're allowed to hop on them. Also, you won't need your wallet.

The piece is inspired by Australia's tidal pools, and asks its audience to step, jump and dance across its floating circles. As you skip, bounce and shuffle, those discs beam and swirl with light — activated by your footsteps, changing with your every move and always creating something new to marvel at.

You might've seen images and videos of The Pool from its past berths, because it's a well-travelled installation. Doing the rounds since 2008, it has brightened up Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Jerusalem, Lisbon, Los Angeles, Mexico City, New York City, Prague, Shanghai, Sydney and Taipei and more. Now, Brisbane joins the list.

Top image: Marcus Carter.