LET THERE BE LIGHT!

Where can you find a tiger the size of 1,060 football fields or a ship on the iceberg where it was wrecked? Ask Swiss light artist Gerry Hofstetter

- ANJULY MATHAI

Do you know that I am the fastest worker in the world?" asks Swiss light artist Gerry Hofstetter.

You shake your head, but you can anticipate an approaching punchline. "That is because I work at light speed," he says, and breaks into a loud guffaw. You do not expect this man with the unruly hair and solemn demeanour-who perfectly fits the stereotype of the otherworldly artist far removed from the concerns of daily life-to have a humorous side. But Hofstetter does, and it manifests at the most unexpected moments. Like when he says that he would like to see us dancing to Bollywood music when he comes to India later this month. His voice brims with enthusiasm, and it is clear that it is a much-awaited trip.

Although it is for business and not just for pleasure. Hofstetter, 60, has been invited by the Swiss embassy to create light art at the grand finale of the Swiss network's 'Swiss It!' initiative, as part of which 35 events were organised in 30 Indian cities in three years.

The artist says he has been wanting to visit India for many years now, ever since 2003, when he projected the Taj Mahal onto a giant iceberg at the South Pole. But he did not because he was so enthralled with the country that he was afraid he would not be able to return. "I had fallen in love with Indian films, people and culture," he says. "It is such a fascinating country. I work with light and India is a country of great spiritual light."