The work is based on the St. Elmo's fire phenomenon, a natural luminous appearance created by a coronal discharge from pointed objects such as ship masts. Throughout history sailors viewed this bright glow as an omen that they would return home safely and there are many descriptions of it in literature:
But now St. Elmo's fire appeared, which they had so longed for, it settled at the bows of a fore stay, the masts and yards all being gone, and gave them hope of calmer airs.
— Ludovico Ariosto, 1516
Engbers' work represents the idea that in dark times we can and should rely on hope.
Below are images of the installation by photographer Janus van der Eijnden:
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