City Lights
If you’re within easy reach of the City of London “Square Mile” then you won’t want to miss this short run of nighttime light and sound installations.
I’d suggest you start with Keys of Light by Mr.Beam (@mrbeam_studio) which sees The Guildhall’s gothic building animated with colour (Image 1). You’re unlikely to see the same animation twice, because it’s all coordinated to a piano, which hosts a variety of volunteers of all ages and abilities.
The experience was mesmerising and we would have spent hours if it hadn’t been so cold. Then again, we also got lucky with the classical concert pianist who happened to be playing. We could have gotten some beginner learning Three Blind Mice!
From there it’s a short walk to Bloomberg Public Plaza where Celestial Brainstorm by Amelia Kosminsky (@Amelia_Kosminsky) awaits (Image 2). You need to pull the ropes (yes, you’re allowed) to set the sculpture spinning and create dreamlike displays.
But a far more interactive experience is Colour by Light by Floating Pictures (@FloatingPictures_Studio) in nearby St Mary le Bow Churchyard Square (Image 3). Use the torch on your smartphone to “paint” the ground. It’s a lot of fun, and a lot harder than it looks to make anything recognisable. (Ask nicely and maybe I’ll post the “penguin” I made.)
If you need a rest, Harmonic Portal by Chris Plant (@harmonicportal) at St Mary Aldermary Church (Image 4) offers the perfect opportunity: three benches illuminated by slowly changing circles of colour.
Finally, Imminence by Novak (@NovakCollective) outside St Paul’s presents a vibrant warning about climate change. Bee extinction, rising seas, raging land fires and even the threat to penguins are just some of the topics covered in this 50 metre long projection. (Images 5-6)
Because the Square Mile runs from Bank to St. Paul’s and Bloomberg to Guildhall, you can tick all these off in an hour. Or stay longer if you’ve got a warm winter coat and mittens!
At 5 locations, from 5:30pm to 10pm, until 20 Feb
Visit https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/events/city-lights for full event details and a link to a PDF map.