Absolutely Cultured to bring Luminarium by Architects of Air to Pearson Park
This summer, an inflatable structure will invite visitors to explore a labyrinth of light and colour.
Absolutely Cultured presents Luminarium, a walk-in sculpture designed by Alan Parkinson of Architects of Air that you enter for a kaleidoscopic encounter with light. Inspired by Islamic, Gothic and Modern architecture, it combines intricate engineering with joyful visual design to create a truly sensory experience.
Taking place in Pearson Park in Hull from Tuesday 26 to Saturday 30 July, Luminarium is a family-friendly installation that has a calming effect on adults whilst encouraging children to think, question and explore. Inspired by natural shapes such as soap bubbles, plant formations and organic cells, the interactive sculpture gives visitors the unique opportunity to enjoy a few minutes of mindfulness.
Architects of Air, a Nottingham-based arts company, has been building a variety of luminaria since 1992. Over the last thirty years these fascinating temporary structures have toured 43 countries and received over three million visitors, presenting a transformative space half the size of a football pitch that feels like a living painting.
Designer Alan Parkinson said: “What motivates me to design is the fact that I continue to be struck by the beauty of light and colour found in the luminaria. These structures nurture an awareness of a pure phenomenon that gently cuts through everyday conditioned perceptions and awakens a sense of wonder in people.”
The 12-sided inflatable structure takes the form of three cavernous domes connected by tunnels and pods. As sunlight filters through coloured fabric, silver surfaces are illuminated and fill the space with gradually changing hues. Visually stunning and gently mesmerising, Luminarium is a must-see cultural installation for people of all ages.
Dedicated to creating opportunities for high-quality cultural experiences for everyone in Hull, Absolutely Cultured has ensured that Luminarium will be accessible and numerous HEY! Volunteers will be on site to welcome and guide visitors.
Stephen Munn, CEO and Artistic Director at Absolutely Cultured, said: “Architects of Air build astounding environments that have to be seen to be believed. Luminarium merges geometrical shapes, otherworldly illumination and an ambient soundscape to transport you to a realm of quiet contemplation and curiosity, inviting adults and children to discover the versatility of art. I am so pleased that Absolutely Cultured is presenting this amazing installation in Hull – Pearson Park is the ideal site, as so many different people use this fantastic space to relax in.”
Perfect for families, explorers, meditators and wanderers, Absolutely Cultured invites you to remove your shoes and pass through an airlock into an inflatable world of extraordinary colour.
Tickets for 30-minute slots between 11am and 5pm are priced at £3 per person, with children aged under 5 admitted free of charge. Tickets go on sale on Friday 1 July and people are encouraged to book in advance, although a Box Office will be present outside Luminarium during opening hours. For full information about the event, you can visit our Luminarium page here.