Anthony McCall – Solid Light Works
Our intrepid explorer James braved the Northern wastes of Yorkshire over the Easter break. The driving rain was briefly interrupted by a trip to the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield to see the Solid Light Works installation by Anthony McCall. 
Using digital projections in blacked-out rooms and a fine mist, sculptural ever-changing and twisting forms are projected onto large boards. The mist gives the light a physical presence encouraging the viewer to interact with the illuminated space.
This is Anthony McCall’s first major exhibition in the UK, and runs at The Hepworth Gallery until 3 June. If you’re in the area it’s well worth a visit, along with the rest of the gallery. And it’s free
Ping Pong stuff
For a brief moment, there was summer! And what better way to celebrate than by getting competitive in a game of ping-pong. Our creative director Kev and our designer Joe went head to head and whilst there was much debate on who was the actual winner, we’ve all made peace and “crowned” them both winners.
A creative mash-up in Valencia
Kevin set the inspirational ball rolling with his visit to Berlin last month so our MD Simon decided a short cultural trip to Valencia for him and FD Gill would be a great idea this month… as it’s the city that invented Paella and Agua de Valencia (a mix of cava, orange juice, vodka and gin) we weren’t convinced. However, Simon was inspired by the cultural mash-up of art and design that he found and brought back the pictures to prove it.
From finding the purported holy grail, plus romanesque to gothic and baroque to neoclassical art, his greater interest was in the wide range of creative street art and graffiti that was used around the city to bring energy and vibrancy to both derelict buildings and retail shutters. As usual where this art form occurs the ‘taggers’ are in abundance, undermining both the commissioned and the inspired pieces, but occasionally adding or creating an element of humour.
As well as the art, the architecture also had stark contrasts, from the Central Market, a grand modernist building, to the gothic nature of many old town buildings, but it was the organic style of the wonderful City of Arts and Sciences, reminiscent of Sydney Opera House, that Simon found most interesting.
Situated at the end of the 9km long Turia Park – the converted riverbed of the Turia river that flooded in 1957 and was then diverted – it is a contemporary area buzzing with energy and activity, with restrained nods to the ceramic style of Gaudi. Simon’s final comment… ‘you need more than 3 days!’.
