Psychedelight

https://psychedelight.ch/

In the 1960s, new music was sweeping on radio and black and white television. The pop-music took us to the guts. A whole psychedelic culture found its audience with Woodstock, the Fillmore East and West. Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, Jefferson Airplane, Cream, Bob Dylan between so many others aspired to a better world where peace and love would be realized.

The major concerts of that time were accompanied by a staging composed of special effects projected on the screen at the back of the stage. According to various sources, the practice of lighting concerts began around 1966 in the United States and England. In America, the shows were made mainly with overhead projectors, while in England and Europe, slide projectors were used mainly.

The 'men and women of light', even when they produced superb animated images, remained in the shadow of the stars they illuminated. It went so far that they even went on strike to ensure better remuneration for their art.

Everywhere, young musicians began to produce the same rhythms with amplified sounds. In my town of Delémont, I accompanied a group of Jurasian musicians, the legendary Souled Out. The desire to decorate and color their concerts took me. The guitarist's parents had a projector that they never saw again in its original state. By testing all sorts of materials and colors, in the end, the ink projections did not only spread on the screen but drip on the device.

Pop music enthusiasts of the Swiss Jura knew that it was the "Gary's psychedelic light show" that was deployed at memorable concerts in and around Delémont.

Over time it has become a technique for which I have long sought a name, if possible French-speaking, an art that I have called for 10 years "psychedelic art". As none of my ideas were sufficiently expressive, I decided to choose
"psychedelight" in relation to the psychedelic culture, light or delight of the show. This culture is international and probably supports an English-speaking name.

I am delighted to show you one evening this unpublished spectacle, in real truth, preferably with good, very heavenly and hovering music, the whole thing that must allow you to spend a unique magic moment.

Have a good trip in my world.

Jean-Louis Gafner - January 2025