When the river lights up, it’s time to play.
River of Light is turning playful for its latest instalment, with 12 large scale installations presented by some of the best light artists in the world, all inspired by the theme of ‘Play’.
Some of the works will help turn Liverpool’s waterfront into a playground, while others offer a deeper question around play and what it can mean for individuals, communities and a city as a whole.
River of Light is an annual free event that provides an outdoor illuminated gallery on Liverpool’s Waterfront, a loop, featuring light and sound from local, national and international artists.
River of Light programme so far:
Piano Walk by Amigo & Amigo
Piano Walk by Amigo & Amigo invites participants into a captivating musical experience. This installation features 40 interactive keys and piano hammers that strike the strings.
The artists were inspired by the intricate details inside a piano, the craftsmanship, the materials and the colours and aimed to reflect these elements elegantly in the installation. Embracing the spirit of musical exploration, every participant is invited to jump on the oversized piano and become part of a collaborative performance, bringing the installation to life.
LAPS by Olivier Landreville
LAPS is a modern take on the traditional hourglass that gives us the opportunity to literally take control of time. From the top of their 7.8 ft, the 6 giant modules invite the public to change time by turning the steering wheel at their desired pace, in one direction or the other, and to take another look at their perception of time. Time catchers are rewarded with a sound and light experience that inspires immediate wonder.
Take control for a full lap of LAPS; hold your breath, sing a song, clap your hands, propose marriage, do whatever inspires you. Everyone gets to choose the time they want to spend here; this passage of time is truly yours!
LAPS was created by Olivier Landreville in collaboration with Serge Maheu, produced by Init and is powered by Creos.
Impulse by Lateral Office & CS Design
Transforming public space into a big, luminous and interactive playground Impulse invites you into a playful, multisensory experience with a standby of childhood play: the seesaw.
The installation, created by Lateral Office & CS Design is a series of teeter-totters that respond to riders’ movements with fluctuating light and sound. With this urban instrument, you will help create an ephemeral environment in constant renewal.
However, Impulse’s sights and sounds are not random. Inspired by serialism, a musical method of composition, the installation creates different zones of varying intensity and calm. Impulse is an invitation to play, to laugh and to interact. It creates a collective experience of joy and community.
More details of River of Light 2024 will be announced soon.
