Ilan El is the founder and visionary behind ILANEL Design Studio, a Melbourne-based atelier celebrated for its bespoke luminaires and large-scale light-based installations. Born in Israel, Ilan's creative journey began with training and practicing as an architect, where he developed a strong foundation in design and spatial concepts. In 2005, he relocated to Melbourne to join the Master of Design program at RMIT University, where he deepened his understanding of lighting design principles, the physics of light, and its psychological and emotional impact on people.
This transformative experience sparked Ilan's passion for crafting immersive and experiential lighting. Fascinated by the interplay of light, colour, and perception, Ilan explored how light could create emotional resonance and enhance human connections. His designs often incorporate interactive, playful, and automated elements, showcasing light's transformative power to inspire joy and foster a sense of connectivity.
In 2010, Ilan established ILANEL Design Studio, a practice dedicated to the creation of custom lighting pieces and large-scale installations. His work is characterised by its innovative approach to the visible spectrum, exploring how light interacts with form, movement, and reflection. From glowing sculptural objects to captivating installations, Ilan's creations often transform spaces into dynamic environments that encourage engagement and introspection.
Ilanâs pieces, such as the ORA and the Rain Collection, highlight his ability to seamlessly blend art, design, and technology. His work has been featured in prestigious events such as the 2020 NGV Triennial, cementing his reputation as a leader in contemporary luminaire design. Through his practice, Ilan continues to redefine the role of light in design, offering experiences that are as functional as they are poetic.
Installations
The Australian War Memorial 2024 - âCanberra Beaconsâ Bespoke feature pendant lights
The Hour Glass Adelaide 2024 - âTemporal Gridâ light and glass installation
Design Fringe at Linden NewArt Gallery 2023 - âCannons of Hopeâ
Design Institute of Australia, The Window Gallery 2023 - âCannons of Hopeâ
National Gallery of Victoria's Triennial 2020 - âOraâ an interactive light sculpture
Justin Art House Museum, Melbourne 2019 - â39 Stepsâ An interactive lighting installation
Save the Children Gala, New York 2016 - âShimmering Lightsâ A backdrop lighting installation
Royal Bank Chambers, Melbourne 2015 - âDeco Grandeurâ A 13m multi-tiered light installation
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2015 - âSolâ An outdoors light installation
Four Seasons Hotel, Qatar 2013 - âDesert Rainâ An outdoors light installation
Exhibitions
No Vacancy Annual 2024, No Vacancy Gallery - âLuminism/ Horizon VIIIâ
Bayside Local 2024, Bayside Gallery - âLuminism/ Port Phillip Bay Triptychâ
Design Fringe 2023, Linden New Art Gallery - âCannons of Hopeâ
Melbourne Design Week 2023, Glowing Structures Gallery - âFragileâ
Melbourne Design Week 2022, Glowing Structures Gallery - âReflectionsâ
Solo Show, Linden New Art Gallery 2022 - âColours of Lightâ
Melbourne Design Week 2021, Fitzroy - âWisdom of Objectsâ
âLight+Lifeâ Melbourne Design Week 2020, Brightspace Gallery - âResonanceâ
Melbourne Design Week 2018, KFive Gallery - âDecoding Designâ
Melbourne Design Week 2017, Collingwood - âDeparturesâ
Globelight, Melbourne 2013, Anita Traverso Gallery â âOraâ
Globelight, Melbourne 2014, Anita Traverso Gallery â âLight Matterâ
Globelight, Melbourne 2015, Abbotsford Convent â âSolâ
LaunchPad, Saturday in Design 2006 - âRainâ
The EDGE, Sydney Exhibition Centre 2006 - âE-goâ
Fringe Furniture, The Melbourne Museum 2005 - âThe Stemplistic Tuberhoseâ