Explore the Mystical Night Art Gallery Adventure
The West End is currently undergoing a cosmic transformation, with telescopes positioned throughout central London and Piccadilly Circus resonating with otherworldly sounds that have traveled to the moon and back.
Ethereal sculptures of moon rock-like asteroids and colossal glowing felines have been scattered across Leicester Square by artist Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian. These remarkable installations are the creations of female, queer, transgender, and non-binary artists and scientists in celebration of International Women’s Day.
This event, known as Piccadilly Un:Plugged, aims to revitalize the nighttime economy, as over 3,000 clubs, pubs, and bars in London have shut down since the onset of the pandemic, as reported by the Night Time Industries Association.
In an effort to showcase the city as a cultural hub, select galleries such as the National Gallery and Royal Academy of Arts will extend their hours on Friday nights.
The atmosphere in Piccadilly Circus will be filled with the sounds of the West End, music, and the heartbeats of Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian’s family. These unique sounds have been transmitted to and from the moon using Earth-Moon-Earth communication, creating a one-of-a-kind astronomical soundscape.
Additionally, the telescopes placed around the area will offer the public a chance to observe planets and nebulae, which are interstellar clouds of dust often associated with the birth of stars.
Taking place during “galaxy season,” when distant galaxies are most visible, Piccadilly Un:Plugged invites attendees to escape the ordinary and immerse themselves in the extraordinary and alien aesthetics of the event. Ms. Ben Hayoun-Stépanian, also the founder of NASA’s International Space Orchestra, expresses her excitement about this transformative experience that merges art, science, and imagination.
As a tribute to London’s vibrant nightlife and a response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, Piccadilly Un:Plugged offers a glimpse into a future where nightlife transcends Earth’s boundaries to extend into the cosmos.
For Ayse Hassan, a musician whose work is included in the project, sending her music to the moon symbolizes a surreal convergence of London’s essence in 2025 with lunar influence, culminating in a unique DJing experience.
Through this innovative exhibition, Ms. Ben Hayoun-Stépanian aims to capture the essence of London’s nightlife before the pandemic and provoke contemplation on humanity’s place within the vast universe.
Art of London director Kirsty Tullett-Jones emphasizes the event’s aim to make the fusion of art and science accessible to all, creating an immersive and fantastical experience that surprises and captivates visitors.
One passerby described the installation at Piccadilly Circus as unlike anything she had seen before. Intrigued by the interplay between music and the moon, she highlighted how the event sparked curiosity and wonder, even for those unfamiliar with astronomy.
Stepanian passionately conveys that the event symbolizes a powerful message centered on love, compassion, healing, and peace. It serves as a call to action for us all to reconsider our paths on Earth and in space, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, sustainability, plurality, and global perspectives.
The After Dark exhibition, scheduled from the 6th to the 8th of March, has been brought to life through the collaborative efforts of the Heart of London Business Alliance and Westminster City Council, in partnership with Art of London.
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