The city’s waterfront has just gotten a glow up once again this autumn. An outdoor illuminated art gallery, spanning a 2km trail, has taken over the area for 17 nights as part of the River Of Light. The people of Liverpool can experience a series of spectacular visual installations along the Mersey, which showcases the work of leading local, national and international artists.
From now until November 6, over half term, 10 light installations with the theme of Unexpected Twist will take over the city centre and has been inspired by the World Gymnastics Championships, which are also taking place in Liverpool this autumn.
The installations along this free to attend trail includes a mix of new commissions, as well as existing artworks, which haven’t been displayed in the city before. Visitors, however, can expect the usual awe-inspiring pieces similar to the scale of the stunning works which transformed the waterfront last year – that saw a record breaking 150,000 visitors.
Some of the highlights of River of Light Trail include:
Turn The Light On, It’s Dark In Here by Camille Walala
This is a new commission from the influential London artist, known for her colourful murals and dazzling installations spotted in locations as distant as New York to Buenos Aires. The piece is described as ‘a dynamic melange of colourful architectural forms that seem to play with depth and dimensionality like a trompe l’oeil, creating an abstracted cityscape of light’. Outlined in vibrant primary colours, curves and rigid shapes, this is the first time Camille Walala has worked with the medium of light, specifically programmed LEDs.
“It’s a very different approach for me, and I’m delighted with the new dimension that light has brought to my work,” said Camille. “I can’t wait to see the piece in place. I hope it brings a touch of playfulness and delight to the Docks.”
Dancing Ribbons by Yinka Ilori and Peter Adjaye
Another newly commissioned piece, Yinka Ilori is known for drawing on his British-Nigerian heritage for bold and visual, contemporary designs. Taking influence from rhythmic gymnastics, this installation draws on the energetic relationship between gymnasts and prop ribbons. LED ribbons, suspended from the ceiling, mimic the movement of gymnasts and recreate ‘their organic forms, colour transitions and joy of performance’. Yinka Ilori has teamed up with sound artist, Peter Adjaye, to add another dimension to the artwork too.
Other artists exhibiting at this year’s event include Lucid Creates, The Kazimier, Atelier Sisu and Amigo & Amigo. This year, River of Light will also host a series of workshops, discussions and masterclasses with Make Bank and some of the artists commissioned for the event. To see details of all 10 artworks being presented and other related events, head over to the River Of Light website.