A personal Invitation to MDW 'Form & Phenomenon'
I have always believed that light is more than something we see - it is something we feel. It shapes our mood, our memories, and our sense of sanctuary.
As we approach Melbourne Design Week 2026, I am thrilled to invite you to our solo exhibition, 'Form & Phenomenon', at Goldstone Gallery. This show is a personal milestone for me. It is the culmination of years of exploring that "liminal point" where a physical object surrenders to an atmospheric experience.
A Milestone Journey to Canberra
Service and memory have always been close to my heart. Long before I founded ILANEL in Melbourne, my own years of military service taught me how a single symbol can carry a profound message.
I recently had the honour of visiting Canberra for the premiere of 'A New Anzac' at the Australian War Memorial. It was a wonderful event and a deeply moving experience to see our story shared alongside the institution's incredible transformation.
What colour is your happiness?
In my native Hebrew, the name Ora means "Her Light". For me, this work has always been more than a technical achievement; it’s a living part of my personal sanctuary. I actually live with the 'Ora' in my own home and interact with it every single day.
Those three dials aren't just for show—they are how I check in with my own mood. I’ve learned that for me, orange is the colour that consistently sparks happiness, while a cool blue might offer a moment of needed calm. I find that a simple object can create an amazing emotional reaction, and that realisation has resonated with me since I first pivoted from architecture to lighting.
Rothko, Richter, and a Return
The studio doors are open, the coffee is brewing, and the lights are officially back on at ILANEL.
I’ve spent the summer break tracing the path of light across the globe - a winter expedition that took me from Melbourne > Tel Aviv > Paris > London > Abu Dhabi.
There is nothing quite like travel to reset the studio’s "Curiosity Engine".
2025: A Luminous Evolution
As we approach the end of 2025, it is time to dim the studio lights just a little and reflect on the brilliant year we’ve shared. This year has been about more than just illumination; it’s been about the people and projects that make what we do at ILANEL so rewarding.
ILANEL @ Decor + Design Show
Decor + Design 2025
Visit us at the 2025 Decor + Design Show
Stand A2
Wednesday 16 July 10am - 5pm
Thursday 17 July 10am - 5pm
Friday 18 July 10am - 4pm
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
The Colours of Light
An Artist's Perspective on "The Colours of Light"
Join artist and creative director Ilan El for an intimate experiential exploration of his groundbreaking light art. In this insightful presentation, Ilan unveils the conceptual depth and technical mastery behind his iconic pieces – including the ORA and Port Phillip Bay Triptych – alongside the serene beauty of his new works from the Horizon series. Discover how Ilan harnesses the elusive qualities of light to evoke emotion, shape perception, and challenge traditional notions of art.
Now, You’ll See
El’s solo exhibition, Now, You’ll See, is both a compelling statement and an evocative invitation, urging viewers to engage not only with their eyes but with their full sensory awareness. It marks the culmination of a long-held vision: light as a medium not just for seeing, but for feeling—a paradigm shift in perception.
RE: 100 Lights and Futureproof at Melbourne Design Week 2025
ILANEL returns to the 2025 Melbourne Design Week with “Re:” - an innovative exhibition that celebrates the art of transformation, showcasing a curated collection of recycled and repurposed items gathered over 15 years of running ILANEL, a design studio dedicated to creativity and sustainability.
R:E at Melbourne Design Week 2025
ILANEL returns to the 2025 Melbourne Design Week with “Re:” - an innovative exhibition that celebrates the art of transformation, showcasing a curated collection of recycled and repurposed items gathered over 15 years of running ILANEL, a design studio dedicated to creativity and sustainability.
100% Tax Write Off
The 2025 Federal Budget has brought to an end the decade-long ability of eligible small businesses to claim artwork purchases up to $20,000 as a 100% tax write-off.
For the visual arts industry, the loss of this measure will be felt. It brings to an end one of its few truly stimulative measures and over 15 years of policy vacillation.
The timing could not be worse to end this measure and replace it with nothing. The visual arts is particularly vulnerable to economic slowdowns, particularly ones brought about by global uncertainty. It should also be noted the extension of the instant asset write-off from 30 June 2024 to 30 June 2025 has still not been made law!
X Y Z - A Symphony of Form and Light
Our Limited Edition XYZ Wall Light features a composition of three volumes aligned to the XYZ axis.
Canberra Beacons
The Australian War Memorial has unveiled a pair of bespoke pendant lights, designed and handcrafted by multidisciplinary artist ILAN EL. These custom-made fixtures pay homage to a significant piece of naval history, drawing inspiration from a historic World War II Lifeboat's Lantern (Accession Number REL/04094) from the HMAS Canberra, a County class heavy cruiser that was critically damaged during the Battle of Savo Island on August 9, 1942.
Custom Lighting Made in Melbourne.
Custom lighting made in Melbourne, where artistry and craftsmanship meet to create bespoke pieces that illuminate spaces with innovation and heritage. Discover the beauty of locally crafted designs at ILANEL.
The Hour Glass Adelaide
ILANEL's Light Art installation at The Hour Glass in Adelaide exemplifies the fusion of artistry and functionality. The custom-designed luminaires enhance the luxury watch retailer's space, creating an inviting and sophisticated ambience that complements the exquisite timepieces on display.
Emotional Design
Emotional Design: Experiencing light art is like exploring a vivid dreamscape where each glow and hue becomes a brushstroke on the canvas of your emotions.
Biophilic Design & Lighting
Biophilic Lighting Design: Bringing Nature Indoors with ILANEL
Retrospective
And one more… a grande finale! - Our 400 Falling Leaves at EASTS League Club, QLD