September saw the private view of the Grundy Art Gallery’s current exhibition of light installations entitled Sensory Systems as part of Lightpool at Blackpool Illuminations.
Angela Bulloch, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Ann Veronica Janssens, Anthony McCall, Conrad Shawcross are the artists featuring in the show Sensory Systems, a truly wonderful exhibition which radiates throughout the entire gallery space. Five separate chambers inside the Grundy have been created to emit each unique light experience.
On entering the gallery a mesmerising projection Slow Arc by Conrad Shawcross has been installed creating hypnotic patterns onto the walls, which move fluidly and quite erratically, causing a sensation of imbalance as we are led through the space. Surrounded by shifting patterns a sensation of movement is evoked with a trick of the light.
Moving through corridors and walking into the next chamber Voice Array by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer greets you. A voice recorder detects the sounds of speech and other noises echoed through it then creates a rippling pattern of the sound waves around the space. A fully interactive piece which the audience loves to be part of by the touch of a button.
In a darkened room with only brilliant bright beams of light projected through the black space, Anthony McCall’s work is also an interactive piece. You can walk in and around to catch the rays of light as you pass through them. The beams of white light are projected onto the wall creating elliptical shapes.
In other chambers the vibrant multi colours of the rainbow are displayed through a three dimensional stacker box style installation which changes colour subtly to enhance each colour separately. There are two similar structures juxtaposed neatly next to one another and a feeling of relaxation is felt on viewing. The chamber next to this has a series of light boxes with changing colours of the rainbow also being emitted throughout the gallery leaving you warm and relaxed.
Sensory Systems is an uplifting and brilliantly staged exhibition and explores the different ways in which an artist can work, play, draw, and interact with light and its magical qualities. The exhibition has pure dynamism in its entirety and it is most essential you see this show while it is here in Blackpool.
Running concurrently with Sensory Systems in the mezzanine gallery of the Grundy are original designs of heritage 1930’s neon illuminations which are on display. This is definitely a must see for lovers of the illuminations for those visiting the gallery.
As the show ties in to the newest edition to Blackpool Illuminations with the new Lightpool features including a spectacular projection beamed onto the front of Blackpool Tower this is a great opportunity to visit.
During the running of the exhibition, the Grundy Art Gallery, will hold many fun packed and educational workshops, with reference to some of the work on show.
Sensory Systems is open to the public up until 8 November. The Grundy is open Tuesday-Thurs 10am-17.00, Friday and Saturday 10.00am-19.00 and Sunday 12.00- 16.00. For more information visit grundyartgallery.com
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