Two North East artists out of five have been hand-picked by leading arts producers to transform their bright ideas into reality at Durham’s Lumiere festival in November.
Representing the region are Seaham-based artist Angela Sandwith and Newcastle video artist Gareth Hudson, alongside other chosen artists - architect Martin Glover, artist Emma Griffiths and RCA graduates Patrick and Kaori Jones.
The five lucky artists were chosen by the prestigious Brilliant scheme through the Artichoke project, which saw hopefuls submit a unique idea that would “transform Durham’s urban landscape” for the four nights of this year’s festivities.
Read more: Lumiere light festival to return to Durham in November 2023
The creatives will now develop their artwork for their installation at Durham’s renowned Lumiere light festival held from November 16 to 19.
Seaham’s Angela Sandwith, who has attended every Lumiere, spoke of the honour it is to be chosen as a contributor and Brilliant artist for this year’s festival.
She said: “I have attended every Lumiere, and for a long time I have aspired to take part in the Brilliant scheme knowing that it would push my creative capabilities into new and exciting realms.
“To be part of the magic that is Lumiere motivates me to create art that gives people an unforgettable experience. I am proud to have been selected, and I look forward to working with Artichoke and exhibiting my installation in the beautiful and historic city of Durham.”
The former educator turned full-time artist will now present a light installation using only recycled and discarded materials that are found along coastlines, paying homage to our beaches and oceans.
Fellow North East local Gareth Hudson’s work will focus on kinetic light, that will be masterfully choreographed to a North Eastern “choir soundscape”.
Lumiere has been held since 2009 when it was planned as a one-off event, but now sees thousands of visitors flock to the city every two years to catch a glimpse of Durham’s buildings and surroundings reimagined using light.
Durham County Council leader Cllr Amanda Hopgood, spoke of her delight at the programme’s artists and the special nature of having local artists at Lumiere.
She said: “The Brilliant scheme is all about encouraging people from all walks of life to get involved in light art, and the brilliant thing about it is that it’s open to anybody, not just practising artists.
“That opens up a wonderful opportunity to all. It’s great to see two County Durham artists among the five – this will be a particularly special moment for them, and I hope it provides inspiration for others to follow in their footsteps.”
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Also part of the programme this year is London-based architect Martin Glover, promoting his passion for sign language with his piece following on from his appearance at Lumiere 2021.
Visitors to the festival can also catch the work of North West artist Emma Griffiths, whose piece this year will centre around her recent diagnosis of hearing loss and becoming a “self-advocate” of her experience through art.
The final two chosen are London artists and Kaori Jones and Patrick Jones, known as ‘Kappa’, who both hold MAs in sculpture from the Royal College of Art.
The pair are said to draw inspiration from “anthropology and science”, inspiring diverse communities.
The five chosen for this years festival will now join a group of 27 BRILLIANT alumnus who have all had their work appear at Lumiere since 2011.
The Northern Echo is proud to announce that it is a media partner with leading Art Producers Artichoke and Durham County Council for unmissable and exclusive Lumiere content this year.
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