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In the dead of night, a solitary figure slips through Birmingham's deserted street. Brandishing what looks like a lightsaber, he's there one minute but gone the next. Welcome to the elusive world of "lightbombing."
Incandescent art lights up the sky in the blink of an eye
Photos: Incandescent art lights up the sky in the blink of an eye
'The writing on the floor' – For one night only, light artist "Sola" invited CNN into the world of "lightbombing," revealing his equipment, techniques and knowledge. This light sculpture was one he created in front of our eyes on a cold winter's night.
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Photos: Incandescent art lights up the sky in the blink of an eye
Self-portrait – Birmingham-based photographer Peter Medlicott is more commonly known on the streets by his artistic alter ego, "Sola." Under his pseudonym, he has been creating intense light sculptures. But in the blink of an eye, they are gone.
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Photos: Incandescent art lights up the sky in the blink of an eye
Untitled – Sola uses a long-exposure photographic technique and an urban backdrop. He artist steals through the night as the city transforms from ex-industrial space into a photographer's playground.
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Photos: Incandescent art lights up the sky in the blink of an eye
'Country Lights' series – While these dazzling light sculptures look incredibly difficult to reproduce, Sola says anyone can learn to "lightbomb." He adds: "The first few I did were with road safety maintenance lights that you have in your car. You can use anything, you could use your phone. You can use anything that has got a light."
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Photos: Incandescent art lights up the sky in the blink of an eye
'Country Lights' series – Pictured, a supermoon is given the "lightbombing" treatment in the British countryside. Sola says: "I'm fascinated with quantum physics, space and the galaxy and just what's out there and what it looks like. And some of the world will be my visual reinterpretation of the scientific concepts that I am fascinated by. I can't ever hope to understand quantum physics but I try and this is my take on it."
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Photos: Incandescent art lights up the sky in the blink of an eye
'Solid Trace' series – As well as the kit, Sola says location is paramount. "I've spent hours, days, maybe weeks just driving around the city on my own with an idea, looking for places. It's very much about vibe as well. It's got to feel right. You're not going to make good work if you're compromising yourself so keep going, find the perfect thing. Take the time."
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Photos: Incandescent art lights up the sky in the blink of an eye
'Light Up Dubai' collection – This incandescent photographic technique has helped boost Sola's career and provided him with opportunities both at home and abroad. While collaborating with local artists in Dubai, Sola captured this image in the middle of a raging sandstorm.
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Photos: Incandescent art lights up the sky in the blink of an eye
Disorder x Sola collaboration – While most of his work has largely remained abstract, Sola has recently started working with incorporating models in his images. Still a work in progress, here he offers fans a sneak peek at the direction he hopes to take his work. "I'm looking for an excuse to shoot with people. It gives a more tangible element to it. I love the abstract work but for my heart, (I) need to shoot with people," he says.
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