Art of London has unveiled a breathtaking photography display at the National Portrait Gallery‘s new Spotlight Space. In partnership with Take A Moment, hundreds of famous faces have been snapped by photographic artist, Ray Burmiston. The powerful portraits will feature the celebs with their eyes closed, taking a moment of calm to raise mental health awareness across the capital city.
The free photography display, titled ‘Art of London: Take A Moment 2023‘, will run until October 15. The project will culminate in a poignant finale on World Mental Health Awareness Day. In a bid to inspire Londoners to ‘take a moment’ for their mental health, the exhibition features over two hundred celebrities and their never-before-seen portraits.
Celebrities taking part in the powerful spectacle include Ricky Gervais, Ronan Keating, Heather Small and Busted (okay, now I’m sold). Portraits of London’s everyday heroes will also feature, including the London Fire Brigade Soho Watch.
Amplifying mental health awareness across the West End, portraits from Ray Burmiston’s impactful portfolio will also be projected on to the Piccadilly Lights. Members of the public are invited to submit a selfie with their eyes closed for the chance to appear alongside their favourite stars on the Piccadilly Lights in the show-stopping finale on World Mental Health Day (October 10).
This head-turning photography exhibition is one of several public art installations created for Art of London’s Summer Season. The season has aimed to celebrate art in all its forms across London’s creative and inspiring West End district.
Secret London‘s very own famous faces (AKA our beloved video team: Jess, Phoebe and Tom) were lucky enough to have their portrait taken by Ray Burmiston. It will ever-so excitingly be featured in the Piccadilly Lights display so keep your eyes peeled for some familiar faces on October 10.
Ray Burmiston, Photographic Artist of Take A Moment, said: “For a boy who grew up in the West End, being able to share this work at the National Portrait Gallery is the ultimate honour. I hope that the impact of so many ‘eyes closed’ portraits, will remind as many people as possible to take a moment for themselves. Those few seconds of pause can make a huge difference to everyone.”
Mark Williams, Director of Art of London, said: “We’re delighted to partner with the National Portrait Gallery to showcase how art can help raise mental health awareness. I hope this powerful display inspires West End visitors to pause and find a moment within one of the city’s most iconic locations.”