For the past couple of weeks I have been trying to see the Light Show at the Hayward Gallery.
At first I wasn’t really sure what to expect of this exhibition, I was only attracted to the name of it and thought it might offer some pretty installations to look at.
So first all, yes the exhibition does have some beautiful light installations to coo over.
But I think the best thing about it was how each piece challenges the way you see things.
One of my favourites was this space of coloured lights. At first I didn’t think much of it. I was standing in a blue room of light. Then I walked towards the pink section. The pink colour was SO intense and warm. But then suddenly the pink was fading! Were my eyes failing me?
Next I walked into the green section and suddenly my eyes were seeing things in monochrome. Everyone around me looked like an extra from WICKED (and by that I mean that had some seriously green looking skin). If I could compare it to anything, I would say it was like walking in a live black and white movie. It was fascinating and bizarre at the same time to see it with my very own eyes.
Another favourite was Olafur Eliasson’s ‘Model for a Timeless Garden‘. It was a simple concept of water fountains bathed in a strobed lighting. The result was a beautifully seemingly static piece looking at water droplets as if suspended in time.
There were many more brilliant, playful and enchanting exhibits to feast your eyes upon but I won’t spoil the fun and tell you everything! Only that you’ll feel like a kid again, seeing things in a completely new way!
Tips to visit the Light Show Hayward Gallery
- I do highly recommend booking this as early as possible. It’s been selling out over the weekends! So to avoid being disappointed…BOOK BOOK BOOK!
- You do have to queue for some of the exhibits inside. I actually thought the best pieces were the ones that did not require queuing. I suspect the wait was probably building up my expectations! So when I finally got to them, well they weren’t all that! I would suggest walk around first if the line is way too long.
- As the exhibits involve light – spend time looking as much as you can. The way you see something the first time may be different if you look at it a little longer!
Picture credit: guardian.co.uk