Today, Covent Garden, London’s home of culture, announces that artist Chila Burman will take over the historic Market Building with a new immersive large scale art installation. Launching on 26th August, Burman will bring her vast neon sculptures into the building’s South Hall, transforming the space into a giant neon wonderland filled with uplifting messages for visitors.
Visitors will be welcomed by the message “do you see words in rainbows” emblazoned in neon purple across the iconic entrance of the South Hall, and Burman’s signature rich colours will transform the inside of the Market Building into a bright spectacle. The installation features a distinctive floating neon octagon suspended from the centre of the Hall, sculptures of peacocks, tigers and snakes and bulls illuminating the space, plus uplifting words and collages throughout in incredible kaleidoscopic colours, all inspired by Burman’s Hindu Punjabi heritage and her bold vision.
Sustainability, waste reduction and environmental impact are themes that run through all of Chila’s art, and are paramount to the Covent Garden estate too. Chila has incorporated iconic pieces from her previous installations as part of her commitment to sustainability, including her signature neon tiger on the North Piazza. She has also repurposed vinyl and sculptures from her Tate Britain winter installation which sit alongside the newly commissioned elements - in an effort to reduce the environmental impact of the art world.
The collaboration with Burman further cements Covent Garden as a pioneer of culture within London, with current public realm art from British artist Lakwena on display, and previous large scale commissions from artists Damien Hirst, Charles Pétillon, Alex Chinneck, Jeff Koons, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac and Anthony Burrill amongst others.
Ensuring the Chila Burman Covent Garden experience is available to all, digital visitors can go online to discover an exact replica of the installation allowing e-visitors across the globe to digitally visit the immersive experience, exploring the space exactly as it sits in central London, via 3D platform Matterport.
Alongside the installation, Covent Garden will launch a new campaign in September, running for 2 months. “The Colour of Creativity” sees Covent Garden celebrate individual brand stories across the entire estate. Drawing inspiration from Chila’s Market Building neon wonderland, workshops, installations and immersive pop ups will creatively convey tales of craftsmanship and culture to visitors throughout the estate.
For visitors to the Covent Garden estate the area offers an abundance of alfresco and indoor dining options. Global and independent restaurants including newly opened Ave Mario, join favoured dining destinations Sushisamba, Darjeeling Express, La Goccia, Balthazar, Frenchie and more. For shoppers Covent Garden offers open-air shopping in a historical setting with a number of exciting new fashion and lifestyle openings including Ganni, Arc’teryx and Vashi which join Tiffany & Co. Charlotte Tilbury, Paul Smith, A.P.C, Free People, Sandro, Polo Ralph Lauren, Mulberry and many more. The widespread pedestrianised streets and historical pockets of the Covent Garden estate make for a joyful day of exploring, with nearby museums, the Royal Opera House and its iconic Piazza making it London’s number one destination.
Catherine Riccomini, Director of Marketing & Communications, Capco said: “Covent Garden has long been a patron of art and culture in London and we are thrilled to have commissioned Chila Burman to showcase her vision and positivity with a landmark new installation. This collaboration creates a one-of-a-kind experience for all visitors to Covent Garden and we can’t wait to welcome visitors to discover it, alongside a fantastic programme of accompanying events.”
Chila Burman commented: “I am so delighted to have been invited for this commission, I’ve been drawn to Covent Garden since moving to London to attend the Slade School of Fine Arts in 1981.It is this exciting energy and sense of magic that I’m capturing. Do you see words in rainbows will be a celebration of my Hindu Punjabi culture. Bright, exuberant, colourful and kaleidoscopic – the commission is designed to bring joy, positivity and a sense of magic to the public.”
For further information on this installation, Covent Garden rich history supporting the arts and more about its shops and restaurants visit www.coventgarden.london
