Immersive Light and Sound Installation: A Journey Through Space at St Martin-in-the-Fields
Rating: Ok
Space by Luxmuralis: A Cosmic Journey Lacking Perspective
This installation offers an ambitious exploration of our place in the universe but falls short in delivering a cohesive experience.
Exploring Space: An Immersive Journey Through Luxmuralis
Rating: Ok
The installation Space by Luxmuralis invites visitors on a multi-sensory experience that combines light, sound, and themes of cosmic exploration. Although it has rich material—drawing from moon landings, wormholes, and elements of psychedelia—it ultimately struggles to offer a cohesive point of view, which could enhance its impact and encourage deeper cosmic introspection.
An Ambitious Concept
This thirty-minute installation aims to transport its audience "to the edge of the universe and back," while simultaneously prompting reflections on humanity’s achievements in the cosmos. Presented in various churches across the UK, including the iconic St Martin-in-the-Fields, the setting is fitting; churches are spaces for contemplation and exploration of life’s bigger questions.
As I waited in line to enter the courtyard, the anticipation built with the flickering of kaleidoscopic patterns on the historic stone walls. This moment, where art meets architecture, set the stage for what was to come.
The Crypt: A Promising Start
Upon entering the courtyard, visitors are promptly ushered downstairs into the crypt, where the thematic connection to ‘space’ is most apparent. Historical footage from the momentous 1969 moon landing, combined with scrolling text reminiscent of Star Wars, engages visitors with the narrative of human exploration. However, the subsequent room showcases a faint galaxy-pattern of oscillating white dots—presumably stars—but ultimately lacks the dynamic movement that could inspire contemplation.
Despite my appreciation for durational art—which encourages patience and reflection—the experience felt stagnant as we were held in queue, waiting for the next phase. Rather than promoting introspection, the format seemed to hasten the experience, undermining its potential for deeper connection.
Closer to the Stars: A Disparate Finale
The main church serves as the climax of the installation, attempting to weave together various motifs from realistic space exploration to science fiction. While this finale features improved projection mapping and captivating visuals, the lack of narrative coherence results in a somewhat disjointed experience. The juxtaposition of short clips and fleeting themes created an anti-climactic end.
This rushed pacing gave the sensation of navigating a theme park rather than participating in a contemplative journey through the cosmos. Some visitors seemed to treat the installation as a backdrop for chatter and photos, distracting from its intended purpose. In truth, the vibrancy of the projections is considerably more striking on a screen than when viewed in brightly lit spaces, which diminishes their visual impact.
Room for Growth
In its quest to accommodate a variety of interpretations, Space appears to dilute its impact. While the concept is enticing, it lacks a focused perspective. A deeper exploration into its themes—be it technology, pop culture, or metaphysics—could allow the installation to better engage with its central question: What is our place in the universe?
In conclusion, while Space demonstrates promise with its rich thematic materials, it ultimately lacks the clarity and depth needed to encourage profound reflection. As Luxmuralis continues to evolve, a more directed approach could transform this installation from a fleeting spectacle into a thought-provoking exploration of our cosmic existence.
Exhibition Details
Lead artists: Peter Walker, MRBS FRSA & David Harper, MSC
Location: St Martin-in-the-Fields
Duration: Until Saturday, 21 February
If you’re in the area, consider visiting Space to experience its rich visuals for yourself, albeit with tempered expectations.