Light Lane in Durham

Happy Friday, everyone! We’ve got some thrilling news to kick off your weekend. Duke Arts has unveiled the enchanting Light Lane art installation by LeMonde Studio. Picture this: relive your childhood joy by hopping onto stationary bikes that, while they won’t move, will transport you to a realm of breathtaking artwork created by some of Durham’s finest artists and the Duke Arts team. Remember, this mesmerizing display is a night-time affair! So, treat yourself to some ice cream around 8 p.m., and then head over to Old Five Points in Downtown Durham or the Rubenstein Arts Center and Bryan Center at Duke University for a delightful visual adventure.

Nicolas Synnott, co-founder of LeMonde Studio

At LeMonde, we aim to create greener entertainment by combining art with innovative technology. With our bikes, we want to help the public recapture the joy of their childhood, when riding to the park was a simple pleasure and the future was full of surprises. When people pedal Light Lane bikes, they initially think of them as simply cool, eclectic bikes. Then, when the music starts to play and the art projects unfold, they experience an unexpected burst of joy. That’s the main idea.

Megan Easterling, multimedia artist

My projection is called "I Have A Song." I spent a day exploring Durham and considered how to represent it through its people and places. My initial idea was too complex, so I simplified it to focus on what Durham means to me. While reflecting on the Durham Bulls and Duke, I also wanted to highlight the city’s vibrant African American community. When I think about African American culture, music often comes to mind, and as a Durham native and NCCU alum, I think about the Marching Bands. Inspired by artist Ernie Barnes, I chose a silhouette of a flutist. The flutist, playing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" as a tribute to the Bulls, is NCCU alumna Iman Hines. For prints, contact majsticincognito93@gmail.com

CJ Monet, singer and artist

My piece is titled Gaia. I aimed to portray the idea of viewing the environment and climate change through a lens, illustrated by an eye with a plant growing from it. Conserving our environment begins with how we perceive the world—it’s both a way of living and a way of caring for the land we inhabit, and I wanted that message to come through in this illustration. I chose my song, "Cosmic Girl," because it discusses the environment in a personal, relatable, and fun way, making it accessible even for those who may not have a strong focus on environmental issues. I hope that pedaling the bike while seeing the projection and hearing the music creates a connection between enjoyment and environmental care. They don’t have to be mutually exclusive!

For those interested in purchasing a print of this projection, please email me at cjmonetart@gmail.com or use the contact form on my website, www.cjmonetart.com.

Michael Garcia, photographer

My idea for this projection doesn’t have a specific title, but it represents the art community of Durham as a unified whole. Initially, my concept was more complex, but I simplified it for projection from the bicycle. By using the Durham skyline as a symbol of the art community, I aim for viewers to understand that art can take many forms and to appreciate the emotions it evokes for both creators and consumers. If you’re interested in purchasing a print of this artwork, please DM @michaelgarciapics.

Sunny Badd, multimedia artist

My projection is called Pink Cherry. Typically, my art style is very colorful and exaggerated, yet it can also be straightforward. My initial idea was to depict red cherries that resembled coins, but it became too literal. I aimed to create something minimalistic that complements the projection while staying true to my artistic style. Since Light Lane is a fun, “once in a lifetime” experience, I wanted my art to reflect that. It’s not meant to be interpreted or taken seriously; rather, it’s intended to be playful and bring joy. I also included my song “Eat It,” which is one of the most playful and upbeat songs you’ll hear. Prints will be available at sunnyuniverse.univer.se/shop.

Jim Lee, multimedia artist

My creation is untitled. I selected the category "Art Makes Change" because I wanted to explore something that could positively impact the community. This led me to consider Baba Chuck Davis, an individual artist who made a real difference through his community-building dance practice. I aimed to honor Baba Chuck by advocating for the Five Points Plaza to be named after him. I hope that viewers familiar with Chuck Davis will be inspired to support initiatives that celebrate his legacy in a grand way, befitting his larger-than-life presence in our community. For those who do not know him, I hope their curiosity will be sparked, prompting them to learn more about his contributions.

The work is available for anyone to print and distribute freely. I am also happy to provide signed prints (archival pigment ink on heavy fine art paper) upon request. Prices vary depending on size, with a $25 minimum for an 8x8 print. For inquiries, please email jim.lee@frontier.com.

Alivia Moe, multimedia artist

I titled the piece “Slowly.” It explores the mind-body connection and its impact on climate care. Our rapid pace of evolution since the advent of the internet has caused us to neglect the earth, forcing it to adapt to our speed. High-speed trains and digital influences, driven by late-stage capitalism, contribute to a culture of impatience, hustle, and overconsumption, which I believe is linked to both the climate and mental health crises.

This project is a call to action to slow down. I encourage viewers to reflect on their pace and take this opportunity to move slowly, paying attention to your senses and the natural pauses in the music.

Limited prints will be available at Everlou Coffee, 506 N Mangum St.

All photos by Matt Ramey

Read more about this project on the Duke Arts website.

Having fun reading our interviews? Please consider a contribution of any size here. Your funds will be spent on commissioning local creatives.