Coexist Shines Light on Fifth Avenue

New York Public Library to be lit up by the man who's illuminated Buckingham Palace to celebrate opening of the 'Three Faiths.'

NEW YORK, Oct. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Coexist Foundation announced today it has donated a unique lighting show to the facade of the New York Public Library. The project, which begins October 20th, will feature over 60 different manuscripts, and moving images from the "Three Faiths" exhibit which opens at the NYPL on the same evening. It's the first time a lighting show of this magnitude has come to Fifth Avenue.

The creation of British artist Ross Ashton, the lighting show will go beyond a static appearance and take into account the motion of light and objects. Ashton says, "It's an enormous honor to be working in New York City, and it's fantastic to be working a world landmark building. I'm also thrilled to be part of a project which helps promote a better understanding of faith." Ashton's dramatic lighting designs have graced Buckingham Palace, and have been admired by millions on prestigious buildings and monuments in India, Malta, South Africa, France, England and the United States.

As he did, with his most famous art projection, Son et Lumiere, Ashton aims to create transformations with image and light. James Kidner, Director of Coexist, says, "We are delighted to be working with one of the world's top projection artists to shine light on such an important exhibition and topic. We hope that everyone enjoys the spectacular display and that it can stimulate thought and dialogue which enables members of faith traditions and the wider society to better understand how we can all coexist in society today."

By presenting these texts side-by-side, illuminating a millennia of spiritual history, the "Three Faiths" exhibition aims to help inform the discussion between these religious traditions and wider society. Since 2006, Coexist, who is also a co-sponsor of the 'Three Faiths' exhibition, has been working to promote better understanding between Jews, Christians and Muslims, and between these communities and others, through education, dialogue and research.

Ashton's specially commissioned Son et Lumiere shows have received worldwide attention. Usually responsible for the overall creation of these from scripts through to the projected artwork, his work has been seen by millions throughout his career and never fails to be thought provoking, moving and exhilarating by turns.

Ross Ashton was born in Sheffield, England in 1961. Having trained in photography and theatre he moved to London and began to work in video and slide projection. After spending four years in Paris working with a variety of visual media, he began specialising in High Power Projection in 1992.

The New York Public Library Facade and the "Three Faiths" illuminations will run from 5 p.m. to midnight. The Coexist Foundation is co-sponsoring the "Three Faiths" exhibit, which opens October 20th and closes February 27, 2011.

For more information please visit www.rossashton.com and www.coexistfoundation.net.

SOURCE Coexist Foundation