‘Island of Foam’ Immersive Experience To Take Over Liverpool ONE

An explosion of rainbow-coloured foam is set to take over Liverpool ONE this August.

‘Island of Foam’, a dynamic and temporary art installation by German artist Stephanie Lüning, will transform the Sugar House Steps near Liverpool ONE’s John Lewis on Saturday 31 August, from 2pm onwards.

Commissioned by Culture Liverpool in partnership with Global Streets, this immersive spectacle will see vibrantly coloured foam grow, flow, and ultimately engulf the steps, completely altering the familiar space.

As the foam swells and evolves, it will gradually reshape the area before eventually inviting onlookers to join in the fun by creating their very own foam-filled experience on the ground level. Best of all, the installation is entirely biodegradable, ensuring it vanishes without a trace in just a few hours.

Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:

“Foam is a first for Liverpool and this is going to be an unforgettable spectacle.   

“Our Culture Liverpool team is always looking for something different to bring to the city, which not only makes you appreciate a new artform but also makes you look at an area you may be familiar with, in a whole different way.

“Island of Foam is a great addition to the overall The Last Day of Summer programme, which will be a fantastic day out for all the family.”

Artist, Stephanie Lüning, said: “In Liverpool you can see the ephemeral character in its architectural contrasts. You have very traditional buildings next to contemporary architecture and lots of construction sites all over town.

“I love to interweave the local architecture and its stories to present my vanishing art action in these ever changing public space. But what I love most is, to surprise people- to draw the audience out of their daily routines and comfort zones for a brief moment. Liverpool seems to be the perfect place to implement a colourful and playful pile of magic.”

Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said: “We are thrilled to host the Island of Foam – it’s a unique and exciting experience for families, transforming a well-known part of Liverpool ONE into a vibrant sea of rainbow foam.

“We love exploring new ways to create unforgettable experiences for our visitors, and the Island of Foam is the perfect finale to the summer holidays. We can’t wait to see everyone getting involved and enjoying all the activities across the Waterfront!”

Technical Information Regarding Foam Exhibits

A foam machine connected to different water tanks (filled with different coloured foam fluid) produces a coloured mountain of foam consisting of water, food colouring and biodegradable washing up liquid.

This mound varies in shape and size and new foam is constantly being generated and added. The machine is operated by the artist herself. Using a mixer, the artist also utilises, mixes or switches the different colours of the liquid foam on and off. With the aid of these coloured foam production ‘settings’, Stephanie Lüning takes over a vast range of public places, making use of representational objects and architecture; temporarily leaving her mark on them and transforming these places into a spatially ephemeral painting.

In this way, she enables the viewer to experience new angles of perception and appeals to those who may have previously been indifferent to the conventional setup of gallery and museum exhibitions.

As part of the live ‘Island of Foam’ artwork experience please be advised of the following:

• Sugar House Steps will be closed between 8am – 9pm on Saturday 31 August 2024.
• Skin and clothing will become stained when you interact with the foam. The foam is 94% water, 5% food colouring and 1% soap.
• Children / young people need to be supervised at all times.
• To prevent slipping, no running is allowed.
• Pets should be kept away from the foam action.
• The event organisers shall not be held responsible for any damage or injury.

For more information about ‘Island of Foam’ visit cultureliverpool.co.uk/island-of-foam.

*Image credits: Guy Corbishley | Robert Vanis