For 17 nights the waterfront will be transformed into a free illuminated outdoor art gallery
The popular River of Light art trail will return to Liverpool this autumn featuring a mix of brand new, never-before-seen commissions as well as existing artworks which haven’t been on display in the city before.
River of Light is officially an autumn staple and we’re delighted to announce the trail is back this year.
The theme of this year’s free event is Unexpected Twist in a nod to the World Gymnastics Championships 2022 which is taking place in the city during the same period.
For 17 nights, from Friday 21 October until Sunday 6 November, the waterfront will be transformed into a free illuminated outdoor art gallery. Ten artworks from local, national and international artists will be on display along a 2km route in the fifth edition of River of Light. The artworks include:
BEAM
A brand new commission by Lucid Creates (artists Helen Swan and Chris Carr) will see a beam of light transport visitors to a hot, summer’s day, accompanied by the sounds of the British countryside. But after several minutes the feeling of peace and warmth will change to unease and suspense…
Located at Canning Graving Dock, opposite Museum of Liverpool, the artists behind the work are no strangers to River of Light and have previously showcased large-scale artworks including 2021’s incredibly popular Dance Together – a huge tribute to the legendary nightclub Chibuku.
Evanescent
A series of giant bubbles will take over Exchange Flags courtesy of Australian artists Atelier Sisu. The immersive sound and light structure will react to visitors as they explore the artwork, depicting the transient nature of human existence. It has already been showcased in locations including Taiwan, the USA, Greece and Australia.
Turn the Light On, It's Dark Here
Influential and critically acclaimed French street artist Camille Walala will work in light for the first time in her career and expect a colourful, dynamic piece which plays with depth and dimensionality, creating an abstract cityscape of light.
Dancing Ribbons
Another light first for the much-lauded British-Nigerian artist Yinka Illori who has been inspired by rhythmic gymnastics. His installation aims to capture the energy between the gymnast and the prop ribbon and includes a specially-created soundscape called Rhapsody of Light by composer and producer Peter Adjaye.
Light Looper
The brainchild of Liverpool’s Kazimier Productions, this interactive installation is a multiplayer game where players send particles of lights all around the art work, building up speed until the piece allows them to send the fully charged particle to the very top.
Rainbow Accordion
Inspired by a traditional accordion, this artwork consists of six giant colourful interconnected archways, which sit on an interactive pad that when jumped on, sends light and sound through the archway. This work has been created by Australian artists Amigo & Amigo and it is their second appearance at a River of Light festival.
The full details of all ten pieces, the artists and their locations can be found on the official River of Light website.
November 2021’s River of Light event was hailed as the most successful to date, with around 150,000 visitors enjoying the festival.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council's cabinet member for Culture and Visitor Economy, said, "River of Light is officially an autumn staple and we’re delighted to announce the trail is back this year in all its illuminated glory.
"This is our fifth year of staging this popular outdoor art gallery, but each year it has evolved – locations have been tweaked, different installations have been introduced and each time we work with new artists from all over the world who are aware of the event’s high-calibre reputation and want to be part of it which is a huge coup."
River of Light is supported by Arts Council England. To get the latest information head to Visit Liverpool.
