The West End’s Piccadilly Un:Plugged celebrates International Women’s Day with cosmic-themed installations and music transmitted to the moon. Featuring female, queer, transgender, and non-binary artists, the event aims to revive London’s nightlife and engage the public through art and astronomy. The exhibition runs from 6-8 March, promoting inclusivity and reflection on humanity’s role in the universe.
The West End is celebrating International Women’s Day with a vibrant public art initiative called Piccadilly Un:Plugged. The event features telescopes across central London, interactive soundscapes, and illuminated sculptures designed by a diverse group of female, queer, transgender, and non-binary artists. Notably, giant sculptures of asteroids and fluorescent cats adorn Leicester Square, bringing a cosmic theme to the celebration.
The initiative aims to revitalise London’s nightlife, with over 3,000 establishments having closed since the pandemic, as reported by the Night Time Industries Association. Galleries like the National Gallery and Royal Academy of Arts are participating by extending their hours on Friday.
Piccadilly Un:Plugged introduces a unique sound experience, showcasing music and heartbeats that have been transmitted from Piccadilly Circus to the moon and back, creating an extraordinary audio environment. Participants can utilise telescopes to observe celestial phenomena during this “galaxy season” when distant galaxies are most visible.
Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian, the project’s lead artist, encourages guests to “break free from the everyday” and engage with the cosmos. She refers to nightlife as a crucial part of London’s culture and acknowledges its struggles post-Covid. Musicians, like Ayssea Hussan, share their radical interpretations of London life in an artistic gesture aimed towards the moon.
Kirsty Tullett-Jones from Art of London highlights the event’s ambition to blend art with science, aiming to captivate the audience with bold and imaginative installations. The exhibition not only showcases unique artistic expressions but also promotes values of inclusivity and sustainability, aiming for reflection on humanity’s role in the greater universe. It runs from 6–8 March, delivered by Heart of London Business Alliance and Westminster City Council.
Piccadilly Un:Plugged is a creative celebration of International Women’s Day, featuring unique art installations and interactive experiences aimed at revitalising London’s nightlife. This initiative showcases a diverse array of talent and promotes inclusivity while encouraging a connection between arts, science, and the cosmos. Amidst a challenging time for nightlife, it aspires to inspire reflection on humanity’s place in the universe.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk