The deep resonance of digeridoo welcomes you through the gates of Lightscape, at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne. Mandalas, created of light, shine Australian animal motives on to the path as I enter. There is a whimsical sense of fairy-tale in the air.
Following the path in the dark with cool drizzle falling, a prehistoric looking collection of gigantic Cocos palms and agaves materialises. They are lit up in shades of purple and blue. The magical feeling intensifies. Far-away beats drift towards me, promising something different ahead.
Despite the setting being outdoors, the majestic giants of nature surround me, cocooning, enveloping. There is a comforting sense of being within and protected. Sequoia and Mountain Ash, shimmering in the illumination. The peach flavoured smoke from the smoke machine wraps me further in an ethereal hug.
The projections have transformed the Botanical Gardens, and my altered perception flings me back to Bangkok in 1998. However, there are no lasers, no doof music. The mood here is mystical, spiritual.
The crisp coolness of the night is cleansing. The air in the gardens heavy with freshness. The experience of Lightscape, invigorating.
Find out more about Lightscape Melbourne here. Link to Royal Botanic Gardens is here.
If you enjoyed this piece read more of my work at www.blossomkitty.com or previous MAC stories Four Pillars Gin, Melbourne, In Pictures or Post COVID travel…