River Of Light returns to illuminate Liverpool's waterfront
Liverpool's free 2km art trail is based on the World Gymnastics Championships
Last updated 21st Oct 2022
Liverpool's free outdoor art gallery will welcome visitors for the next 17 nights (Friday 21 October - Sunday 6 November).
The illuminated artworks, created by local, national and international artists, are all inspired by the theme ‘Unexpected Twist’ which is a nod to the World Gymnastics Championships 2022, which are taking place in the city at the end of this month.
Harry Doyle, assistant Mayor and cabinet member for culture and visitor economy, said although the event is free to enjoy it brings money to the city.
He said: "It's honestly one of the best things we've done for the economy.
"The last time we had River Of Light we had over 150,000 visitors.
"Not only that, all our partners around Albert Dock and Liverpool One reported a huge increase in footfall."
The illuminations on all ten installations will be switched on between 5pm and 9pm each night.
The 2km walking trail, includes a mix of world premiere pieces as well as existing artworks that have not been displayed in the city before.
One of the new pieces, called 'Light Looper' is created by Liverpool's Kazimier Productions.
Artists Venya Krutikov and Mike Lill told us this free event is particularly important during the cost of living crisis.
They said: "People want to be able to go and enjoy something but not everyone can afford to.
"It's work that people can engage with and understand. It's not like you need some extensive back ground in how to read artwork, it's just fun.
"It's a nice evening out with the family and it brings people together. Liverpool does it really well."
Another of the brand new pieces is BEAM. The 30 metre long, 9 metre high LED light installation is suspended from a steel frame and is a sustainable piece from Lucid Creates.
Megan Johnstone-Mackie from Lucid Creates said: "The actual structure of BEAM is visually very much like a balance beam in gymnastics.
"What you also see is the light effects that create the feeling of sun and joy and warmth at the beginning of the seven minute light show and then it creates a level of tension towards the end with the juxtaposition between that and global warming.
"The music that goes along with the piece is there to create the feeling of joy at the beginning and then the tension towards the end whilst you stand underneath it."
The brand new commissions are:
- Turn The Light On, It’s Dark In Here – Influential and critically acclaimed French street artist Camille Walala - expect a colourful, dynamic piece which plays with depth and dimensionality, creating an abstract cityscape of light.
- Dancing Ribbons – A light first for the much-lauded British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori - His installation aims to capture the energy between the gymnast and the prop ribbon and includes a specially-created soundscape called Rhapsody of Light by accomplished composer and producer Peter Adjaye.
- Light Looper – The brainchild of Liverpool’s own Kazimier Productions - This installation is a multiplayer game where players send particles of lights all around the art work, building up speed until the piece allows them to send the fully charged particle to the very top.
- BEAM – A brand new commission by Lucid Creates (artists Helen Swan and Chris Carr). Beam will transport visitors to a hot, summer’s day, accompanied by the sounds of the British countryside. But after several minutes the feeling of peace and warmth changes to unease and suspense.
- Rainbow Accordion – By Australian artists Amigo & Amigo. Inspired by a traditional accordion, this artwork consists of six giant colourful interconnected archways, which sit on an interactive pad that when jumped on, sends light and sound through the archway.
River Of Light is delivered by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team and supported by Arts Council England.
The full details of all ten pieces can be found on the River of Light website.