A frequent traveller, Dreyfus continually observes the subtle variations in natural light in cities around the world. Parisian sunsets have, for instance, been a valuable muse. His admiration of the evening light inspired a neon artwork in 2000, the lighting for a Martine Sitbon fashion show and, in partnership with acoustic artist Frédéric Sanchez, prompted him to construct one of his largest installations so far - a colourful lightwork to mark the reopening of the historic Grand Parais in Paris. Using Syncrolite 5kW xenon lamps, Dreyfus illuminated the museum's voluminous interior in shades of amber, lavender, pink, blue and red. "There was a wave of movement of light from the centre to the outside of the Grand Palais", he explains. "Then all became slowly red, beams reflecting in the mirrors, so when people were walking they had monochrome paintings around them. Then the red turned to white, and the beams hitting the mirrors went back to the sky through the glass roof."

Dreyfus wanted people to suspend their thoughts and to appreciate the space and the light. The reflections from 18 mirrors created a feeling of serenity, he says. He is not given to lengthy explanations when discussing his work. "Light is not words“, he says. "If really knew how to speak about it, I would not need to express myself with light."

Robert Such for Light Magazine - March 2006