Jason Bruges turns York Minster into “completely immersive” installation

Jason Bruges Studio has created a large-scale light installation to show off the gothic architectural qualities of York Minster cathedral at the Illuminating York festival.

Jason Bruges Studio has created a headline installation for the Illuminating York festival, which sees York Minster cathedral turned into a huge site specific installation.

Constructed in the main nave of York Minster, the piece, Light Masonry, aims to introduce audiences to the architectural qualities of the building and in particular the different types of vaulted ceilings it possesses.

An accompanying soundscape, created by composer Arvo Pärt has been commissioned and is being plated live by cathedral organists.

“Ephemeral nave” made of light

Highlighting the ceremonial nature of the space, the piece is a “synchronised procession” of light, which highlights and explores the nave as a “choreographed architectural experience” according to Jason Bruges.

The show is “completely immersive and runs in three parts ending with a big climax, says Bruges, adding, “You get to see the modulation of architecture and really we’re sculpting our own ephemeral nave within the real one, to look at the space.”

Also at the festival

The festival also includes other artworks which use light to bring buildings to life, a light trail and a series of fringe events.

The annual Illuminating York festival gets underway and last's until October 29th. Musicians play at David Ogle's Lumin at York St John University. Picture: Anthony Chappel-Ross
Lumin (Picture: Anthony Chappel-Ross)

David Ogle’s Lumen at St John University has been occupied with a “forest of light”, which encourages visitors to walk among luminescent trees.

Heinrich and Palmer’s Travelling Light at the National Railway Museum takes over the workshop and brings together projection, light drawings, film and sound at the heart of the museum where engines are maintained and restored.

Orbit, (picture by Anthony Chappel Ross)
Orbit (Picture by Anthony Chappel Ross)

Orbit, by Studio PSK is a series of circles of light which frame views along the length of Shambles street.

Illuminating York runs from 26-29 October across York. Head here for more info.

 

 

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