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Wildwood Lights Inspire Symbol Of Peace

WILDWOOD, N.J., (CBS) – The neon lights of the Wildwoods have become part of a video light-art piece aimed at raising awareness and serving as a visual symbol for peace.

"Peace Lights" was produced by artists Peter Rogina and Eileen Cohen.

The project, commissioned by the New York Peace Coalition in February, has been displayed at several events in New York and Washington, D.C.

It features the neon lights on the Wildwoods Convention Center.

During Rogina's many visits to the Wildwoods, he says he started to shoot photos on the boardwalk.

"I found that I was getting some really cool results from the lights that are on top of the Convention Center on the boardwalk," said Rogina.

He collaborated with Cohen to create the light-art piece.

"Eileen is an amazing video artist so she took some of these images, and in the case of 'Peace Lights' it's really only one image, and started layering them. Some of them were big, some of them smaller and some were moving up, some were moving down and it was beautiful. She did an amazing job of creating something out of those images," said Rogina.

VIEW: "Peace Lights"

Peace Lights
(Photo Credit: Peter Rogina)

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"'Peace Lights' just started conceptually, even as a thought, at the end of February," said Rogina.  "Six months ago and look where we are, look at what's happening. It's taken on a life of its own."

"Peace Lights" will be shown in New York City on Sept. 9 as part of the 7th annual African Union Day of Celebration.

Plans are also being developed for the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21.

"We're working with various organizations to have Peace Lights shown on digital billboards around the world on the International Day of Peace," said Rogina.

Rogina says he just started reaching out to NASA to see if "Peace Lights" can be projected on the inside of the International Space Station on the International Day of Peace.

Another goal, he says, is to have "Peace Lights" one day associated with the Olympics.

In addition, Rogina says an online effort is underway to distribute Peace Lights posters throughout the world to be displayed in places such as schools and community centers and where there may have been acts of violence or unrest.

"You start thinking about these powerful expressions of getting the world's attention specifically focused on peace," said Rogina.

"Peace Lights is the giant lens to focus the world's attention on peace."

For more information:

https://www.facebook.com/peacelights2015

http://www.peterrogina-eileencohen.com/peace-lights/

 

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