Full details have been revealed of the 12 artworks that will transform Liverpool’s waterfront during the River of Light festival. Tony McDonough reports
Twelve artworks which will transform Liverpool’s waterfront this month as part of River of Light have been revealed.
For 17 nights, from Friday, October 22, until Sunday, November 7, the waterfront will be transformed into a FREE illuminated outdoor art gallery. 12 large-scale light artworks will create a 2km trail in the fourth edition of River of Light.
The theme this year is Rhythm of the Light with each of the artworks being inspired by the relationship between the city, music and light. Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy, Cllr Harry Doyle, said: “River of Light has become one of the cultural highlights each year in Liverpool. Having seen the plans I know it is going to be a great show.
“As well as the amazing artists it is also a showcase of how brilliantly this city works together with partners such as Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool ONE, National Museums Liverpool and Liverpool BID all coming together to work with the team at Culture Liverpool to put on such an ambitious event.”
Highlights of the festival include:
Dance Together – Canning Dock Quayside, Museum of Liverpool
A new commission bringing together artistic studio Lucid Creates and Suzannah Pettigrew with Chibuku to celebrate recently passing the milestone of 20 years of events in the city.
This sound and light experience will bring together archive music from some of the most celebrated nights in the club’s history alongside site specific poetry created by multidisciplinary artist Suzannah Pettigrew.
The celebration of club culture will be accompanied by a collection of digital images from across the 20+ years of Chibuku in the atrium of the Museum of Liverpool.
Liverpool, Love of my life – Liverpool, Town Hall
Chila Kumari Burman is one of the UK’s most celebrated artists and she returns to her hometown for this unique new commission.
Inspired by Diwali – which is on November 4 – and her love of Liverpool – this collection of neon artworks will take over the front of Liverpool Town Hall and be accompanied by an Indian and Bollywood inspired soundtrack.
Chila said: “I am thrilled to have been invited to be part of this immersive art show, returning to my hometown of Liverpool is a special honour for me. And I hope my piece will bring joy, inspiration and hope to the people of Liverpool.”
Spriteworks – Canal Basin, Pier Head
The first outdoor commission from Warrington-based artist Pastel Castles, this artwork is inspired by classic 90s computer games.
Working in partnership with local collective The Kazimier, Spriteworks brings together a 3D visualisation of classic 2D gaming with a bespoke soundtrack created by the artist on her original Gameboy.
The Pool – Chavasse Park, Liverpool ONE
Jen Lewin has shown her interactive light sculpture around the world and is bringing one of her most celebrated works The Pool to Liverpool.
The Pool is a giant field of light comprised of more than 100 interactive LED platforms that respond to touch, creating incredible colourful light effects when walked on. The piece will be accompanied by an atmospheric soundtrack curated by the artist.
River of Light will be delivered by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team and is supported by Arts Council England, Global Streets and FESTIVAL.ORG. Click here for full details of the event.