british artist liz west to unveils her latest installation ‘presence’ for christ church, macclesfield. commissioned by barnaby festival, ‘presence’ is made up of hundreds of color transmitting dichroic panels which traverse the length of the nave to become a shimmering kaleidoscopic tunnel of color and light. visitors are invited to walk through the immersive, open-ended tunnel structure which will feature cool colors ranging from purples through to greens and blues on one side and warm corals, pinks and yellows on the other. barnaby festival 2021 will run until june 27th, 2021.

liz west presence
image by travellingsimon

 

 

the reflective and refractive nature of liz west‘s ‘presence’ projects colored light across the entire space. the ethereal work helps to reveal parts of the architecture that would otherwise be missed. liz west comments: ‘I want viewers to be present in the moment and immersed within the work, temporarily removed from the clamor of everyday life. the parade and spectacle of walking down an aisle inspired the form of presence. creating a one-way tunnel helps direct and choreograph the visitor’s experience of christ church by enveloping them in this luminous tunnel and placing them in position as performer within the work. when you stand at the end of the installation you can look up at the impressive and historical stained glass windows through the wall of colour making a meditative and spiritual experience.’

liz west presence
image by travellingsimon

 

 

dr abi gilmore, co chair of barnaby festival, comments on the site-specific ‘presence’ by liz west: ‘we are so thrilled to be able to present liz west’s work in the beautiful christ church in the heart of macclesfield. we couldn’t ask more from a barnaby arts commission than to provide people with a transcending immersive experience from such a brilliant and internationally renowned artist, just at the moment in midsummer when we are able to come back together, reflect and celebrate the arts and heritage of our town.’

liz west presence
image by travellingsimon

liz west presence
image courtesy of liz west

liz west presence
image courtesy of liz west

liz west presence
image by travellingsimon

liz west presence
image courtesy of liz west

liz west harnesses luminous stained glass to sculpt ethereal installation 'presence'
image courtesy of liz west

liz west harnesses luminous stained glass to sculpt ethereal installation 'presence'
image courtesy of liz west

liz west harnesses luminous stained glass to sculpt ethereal installation 'presence'
image courtesy of liz west

liz west presence
image courtesy of liz west

liz west presence
image courtesy of liz west