
Art of London has transformed (the usually ever-so chaotic) Piccadilly Circus into a tranquil flower garden and illuminated Europe’s largest digital billboard with a striking sunset to mark the return of its seasonal art programme: Art After Dark.
This new central London public art installation, titled Sparks of Nature, celebrates the return of London’s seasonal late-night art programme which is being held over two days (June 29 and 30).
That’s right: for two days (and two days only), you won’t need to avoid Piccadilly Circus in fear of the sheer tourist-induced mayhem that will no doubt be occurring. In fact, Sparks of Nature aims to give Londoners a moment of calm and tranquility in one of the capitals busiest areas.
The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain has been decorated with thousands of flowers, and meditative video art will be projected across the circus to celebrate over 40 art galleries stay open late as part of the Art After Dark event.
The vibrant flower beds, arranged by world-renowned florist Philip Corps, will be accompanied by an enchanting illuminated terrarium and set to transform Piccadilly Circus as night falls, Amelia Kosminsky’s video artwork will screen on the Piccadilly Lights and feature a striking sunset with hues of lilac, orange and yellow (*squeals with millennial glee about the thought of how Instagrammable it’s going to be*).
Art of London is passionate about showcasing art in every form and highlighting the plethora of art and cultural activities available in the West End. Throughout this late-night art attraction, culture vultures of the capital can discover the world-class art inside the finest independent galleries and world-renowned institutions across the West End such as the National Gallery, the Royal Academy of Arts and the National Portrait Gallery.
Amelia Kosminsky said: “there is so much action and life in our great city but sometimes the pace can be overwhelming. I wanted to create work that gives the public a moment of calm, a pocket of peace where they can stop, take a breath and observe something quietly beautiful within an urban environment” whilst Philip Corps said: “I’m delighted to unveil this incredible public art installation in the heart of London and offer members of the public, hopping between galleries during Art After Dark, a tranquil space to reflect on the world-class art they saw inside the galleries.”
This two-day summer spectacle will showcase over 6,000 flowers and plants (which will be donated to charity and for reuse in local communities after the event) and is set to be a truly mesmerising display.
So what are you waiting for? Get yourself down to Piccadilly Circus to soak up some of Kosminsky’s breathtaking visual artwork and have a blooming great time – you’ve only got two days, after all.
Find out more and plan your visit here.