At just 21 years old, Joaquín García is one of Chile’s brightest rising stars in lighting design. His self-taught talent has made him a standout in major projects, including the LOS 4F show at the Movistar Arena, where his creative vision came to life through the power and versatility of Claypaky lighting. With almost a decade of experience, Joaquín continues to rise in the industry and has big goals in sight.
Joaquín Daniel García Molina, a 21-year-old talent from Concepción in the Biobío region of Chile, has emerged as a promising figure in lighting design. Despite his young age, his career already spans nearly a decade, driven by a self-taught spirit.
“My first steps in lighting were at church when I was 13,” Joaquín recalls, when he started exploring how light could transform spaces and experiences. “Back then, it was just out of curiosity, but gradually, I realized this was something I wanted to take to a professional level.”
At 17, Joaquín ventured into more ambitious projects, expanding his work beyond the community context.
Though his journey has been relatively brief, Joaquín has carved his own path: “I’ve been self-taught, searching for tutorials on YouTube, reading online about designs by other Lighting Designers, among other things. I’ve also asked for advice from other colleagues in the field because I believe it’s most important to surround yourself with people who share the same passion,” he shares.
As for his inspirations, García Molina points to two great influences in his career. “Internationally, Roy Bennett, the designer of Bruno Mars’ 24k tour, has been a huge inspiration for me. His work is amazing, and his creativity is something I really admire,” he says with admiration.
He also highlights the local influence of Samuel Olate, a renowned Chilean Lighting Designer who has been instrumental in his professional growth. “Samuel has been a fundamental pillar, giving me advice and supporting me in my career,” he acknowledges.
The opportunity to join the design and programming team for the LOS 4F show at Chile’s Movistar Arena came to Joaquín at a crucial time. “One day, while on tour with Zúmbale Primo, I received a call from Ricardo Caibul, the lighting director of the LOS 4F show,” he recalls. Ricardo told him about the project and seemed confident in his talent. “He said he’d like to have me design and program the LOS 4F show at Movistar Arena, and honestly, I didn’t hesitate for a second to accept the challenge,” he recounts with enthusiasm.
Joaquín García Molina has a special connection with Claypaky fixtures: “To be honest, I knew the brand from the start, but I hadn’t had the chance to use them until about a year and a half ago,” he comments.
His first real encounter with the brand was during a show with Zúmbale Primo at Movistar Arena, where the Sharpy Plus and Midi-B fixtures were present. “It was an incredible experience working with these fixtures; they were very versatile and of impressive quality,” says Joaquín.
Over time, his trust in the brand grew even further. “About 6 months ago, I did another show at Movistar Arena, this time with fixtures like Arolla Profile HP, Midi-B, Tambora Batten, and Sharpy Plus. Each time I use them, I see what they really bring to a show,” he adds.
When asked why he chooses Claypaky as his preferred brand, his answer is clear. “They have very versatile fixtures for a show, lights that can work perfectly as spots, but if I need a beam or wash style, they totally deliver,” he explains confidently.
And he knows his favorites in the lineup and why: “The Arolla Profile HP is one of my favorites, especially for its power and range of features. Plus, the shapers are incredibly useful for coloring specific areas without losing control. The Midi-B is amazing, its beam and power are fantastic, but what I really love is how fast it moves, and the Tambora Batten has incredible power, and the pixel mode engine is mind-blowing. Also, the pixel inversion function is a great help for creating more complex visual effects.”
This confidence shows in his work. Joaquín not only had a central role in programming the LOS 4F show but also in selecting the lighting fixtures. “I was responsible for specifying Claypaky, the design, and choosing the fixtures for this show.”
Regarding the lighting concept, García Molina was inspired by a cinematic approach, crucial to the show’s visual impact. “Honestly, I tried to design the show like a superhero movie,” he says.
The theme of LOS 4F, based on the Fantastic Four, along with a set resembling city buildings: “I envisioned a Gothic city and tried to find symmetrical bridges that would align with the buildings.”
For this show, Joaquín assembled a Claypaky combination, strategically placed to create dramatic effects and highlight the performers. “I used the Arolla Profile HP for backlighting, street lighting, and front lighting. They’re very versatile and helped keep the artists well-lit from different angles. The Midi-B fixtures were great for generating backlights and fast effects, adding a lot of energy. The Sharpy Plus fixtures were placed on the floor, divided into two areas—some at the stage edge and others at the bridge. And I used all the Tambora Batten fixtures to light the bridge, creating an ambiance that outlined the stage’s shape,” the young LD explains, confident in his choice.
Regarding the effects he aimed for, he had a clear vision in mind. “First, I wanted the artists to always be lit with some kind of backlight color, which I achieved perfectly with the Arolla and Midi-B, and with the Tambora, I aimed to outline the entire bridge, defining its shape like recreating a laboratory platform.” Clearly, in the LD’s plan, each fixture was carefully chosen to reinforce the theme and bring the show’s creative vision to life.
But his vision also aimed to impact the show’s rhythm and the audience’s mood, and Joaquín Daniel García Molina has a clear perspective. “In my opinion, and from watching videos of the audience at the show, I think the lighting positively influenced the atmosphere. I always aimed for harmony, and I think I achieved the desired result because the audience really enjoyed it.”
As in many major shows, unexpected challenges are part of the process, and this one was no exception. “While programming the show, I made a mistake in cloning some Tambora Batten fixtures incorrectly, which caused the pixel effects to be inverted,” he acknowledges honestly. However, his knowledge and technical skills allowed him to quickly resolve the issue. “Thanks to the pixel inversion function in the fixture mode, I was able to fix it,” says Joaquín, highlighting how a specific Claypaky feature kept the show running smoothly.
For programming and operating the show, Joaquín used cutting-edge consoles to ensure precise control over the fixtures. “The show was programmed on a grandMA 2 and operated on a grandMA 3 Full size in mode 2, with a grandMA 3 Light console as DOP and backup,” he explains.
Looking ahead, Joaquín is determined to keep using Claypaky fixtures in his future projects. “In December, I have a Zúmbale Primo show at Movistar Arena, and I want to use Claypaky fixtures for that design. I’m not sure which models yet, but I’m sure they’ll be Claypaky.”
As for his long-term goals, García Molina has big ambitions. “One day, I’d like to design a show in a national stadium or an international tour, and why not, someday design for the Viña del Mar Festival,” he says enthusiastically.
These goals reflect Joaquín’s desire to keep growing in his career and tackle new challenges on a grand scale, always bringing his passion for lighting to world-renowned stages.
That dream of lighting, which once seemed so distant in his early years of learning, is now a reality: “Today I can see how that dream has become real. I am eternally grateful to God because only He has opened doors for me,” he says with humility and gratitude.
The young lighting designer has not only earned his place in the industry but has done so through his passion and dedication.
Joaquín’s excitement is evident as he reflects on what he’s achieved so far. “What more can I say, I’m incredibly happy with all of this. I’ll keep learning even more and keep studying to go further,” he says with determination, making it clear he’s not satisfied with just what he’s achieved.
With a big smile that reflects his passion, he adds, “Cheers to lighting and everyone working in this field.” No doubt, a statement of pride and support for all those who, like him, find in lighting a way to transform stages and emotions.
The Claypaky equipment was supplied by MMT, the official distributor of the brand in Chile, which provides support and guidance for professional lighting projects in the country.
The lighting fixtures used in this impressive show were provided by Rental Iluminación Chile, who continue to expand their Claypaky stock to offer the best in every production.
Claypaky distribution in Chile is handled by MMT, guided by Mauricio Brando, the Regional Sales Manager for Latin America. They continue to lead the brand’s expansion in the region, ensuring access to cutting-edge technology for lighting projects throughout Latin America.
