21st Century Light Space Modulator transforms Hungerford Bridge entrance to Southbank Centre
After months of anticipation, the 21st Century Light Space Modulator (#modulator) was officially launched at a glittering event on 18th October on the Southbank, London.
Attended by 250 key lighting industry figures and members of the press, the event’s fusion of cutting edge lighting technology, contemporary dance and vibrant strands of Indian culture, will ensure it lives long in the memory.Located under the rumbling commuter trains of Hungerford Bridge, the Modulator is an interactive artwork that reacts instinctively to its surrounding environment. At the launch event, dance group Akademi drew out this aspect of the Modulator with their complex choreography and flowing movement and motion. Going forward, as the Modulator goes on public display, human interaction will continue to be a central component in this exciting installation.
‘I’m delighted that last night’s event was such a success, said Dave Ribbons, vice president, sales and marketing EMEA at Havells-Sylvania. ‘I think everybody who attended will have gone away with vibrant memories of the evening, filled with excitement and hope for the future of lighting technology. I’d like to congratulate the whole Modulator team for pushing the boundaries of light and art.’
Paying homage to László Moholy-Nagy’s 1930s work, Light Prop for an Electric Stage, the Modulator was conceived as a visual representation of the Havells-Sylvania philosophy: a fusion of invention and innovation, and eastern and western influences, which have the power to transform space through the use of light.
Jason Bruges, founder of the Jason Bruges Studio, commented, ‘The 21st Century Light Space Modulator explores not just the relationship between space and light, but also people’s behaviour within a space. By introducing a performative process in which the installation engages with the audience, we’ve been able to transform the space under Hungerford Bridge with lighting that responds to human interaction.’
Jude Kelly, artistic director of Southbank Centre, commented, ‘Our site has a really rich architectural and creative heritage, but alongside this are some underused spaces. We encourage everyone to be involved in the arts, so the Modulator is a fantastic addition to the Southbank Centre experience.’
The 21st Century Light Space Modulator will be in-situ under Hungerford Bridge at Southbank Centre until 1st November 2012, before going on exhibition from the 14th November 2012 at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Keep up to date with the Modulator’s whereabouts at www.modulator-project.com.