The explosion project Light Cycle is designed by Cai Guo-Qiang to illuminate the sky over Central Park, using as its central motif a 1,000 foot-high halo made of light and fire. Cai has collaborated with the nation’s oldest fireworks company, Fireworks By Grucci, to develop a new technology that employs programmable microchips in each shell, allowing the artist to use fireworks as an expressive artistic medium. The total duration of Light Cycle will be approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Spectators on the ground will be directed to the Central Park Great Lawn; however, buildings overlooking the Park will allow the most complete viewing of the five firing locations.

During the first stage, Signal Towers, Cai will create a series of five pillars of fire extending 600 feet into the sky, referencing ancient methods of communication. The second stage, Light Cycle, consists of a series of halos that will be drawn over five firing locations resembling, in the artist’s words, “amulets placed over the heart of Manhattan.” The third and final stage is White Night, in which hundreds of shells producing an effect similar to signal flares will be shot into the air to wash the sky with bright light, providing an unusual perspective of the Park and a shimmering finale to the evening. In the event of delay or postponement of Light Cycle, a hotline will be established to provide updates and information for the public. The number will be posted at www.creativetime.org

Light Cycle at Central Park is curated by Creative Time, the New York-based nonprofit organization. For details visit www.creativetime.org. Also visit Central Park's website for information. Recommended viewing locations: Sheep Meadow, the Great Lawn, Reservoir perimeter, North Meadow perimeter.