Leanne Peters
A HISTORY OF ART IN CANARY WHARF
From the start, art and culture have been central to the Canary Wharf experience. The Estate is home to London’s largest collection of outdoor public art. We have over 100 stand-alone sculptures and integrated architectural works, each created by a top artist. The collection infuses the area with bursts of colour and creativity.
Whether you stop to play a game on our kaleidoscopic basketball court, take a moment to contemplate Julian Wild’s flamboyant bright red ‘Scribbleform’, or smile for a photo with Sophie Ryder’s ‘Minotaur and Hare on Bench’, we’ve chosen art that will give you a reason to pause in the middle of a busy day, and appreciate the powerhouse of creativity we call home.
While the ever-growing range of eye-catching art forms a baseline of interest and excitement for our visitors, a huge programme of seasonal events, exhibitions, theatre performances and parties make sure Canary Wharf inspires people all year around.
ENJOY LIFE AMONGST SOME OF THE BEST CANARY WHARF PUBLIC ART
The long-term nature of Canary Wharf Group’s vision for shaping a creative, culturally rich neighbourhood is evident in the huge commitment they’ve made to the arts over the years. It’s something that’s been hardwired since day one – new art projects and engaging installations from internationally renowned artists popping up across the estate all year round.
For example, the diverse sculptures found throughout its public spaces – still the nation’s largest outdoor art collection – enliven the whole neighbourhood and support a wider fabric of performance and creative endeavour which has always defined Canary Wharf art.
Renowned sculptor Helaine Blumenfeld’s OBE ‘Looking up’ exhibition is the latest to supplement more permanent pieces. You’ll find some of her majestic marble and bronze monuments drawing attention in Jubilee Park and catching the eyes of all who pass through Westferry Circus. Here for many months to come, they already feel like creative custodians of the Estate’s parks and gardens.
LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
Countless events and exhibitions have also shone here, leading to Canary Wharf being globally recognised for its award-winning Arts & Events programme. Hosting an almost overwhelming variety of London art projects, performers and visionaries, it’s curated a richness of experience that inspires people to connect unlike anywhere else in the capital.
You’ll not want to miss local artist Yinka Ilori’s Bank Street Park basketball court. Washed in vivid, bright colours, his candy pinks, electric blues and tangy yellows heighten the experience of shooting a few hoops and inspire visitors to embrace his self-styled mantra:
“Be the best you can be.”
— Yinka Ilori
It was all about bright colour this summer. A brand new ‘Summer Lights’ exhibition celebrated natural light across the Estate, while Morag Myserscough commandeered Montgomery Square Pavilion to create something mesmerising with her trademark use of loud colours and bold, layered shapes that spark joy in everyone her work touches.
More than simply exhibitions, these are cherished partnerships. The Estate provides the canvas for their creativity, while they in turn make the experience of living and visiting Canary Wharf public art even richer. It’s about creating opportunities for people to completely immerse themselves. This is the magic of these moments. And the art, exhibitions and culture taking place here are the energy that fuels them.
THE JOYFUL SPIRIT OF A LONDON ART PROJECT
After punishing lockdowns empty of colourful memory making and joyful physical interaction, new experiences are the chance to put them back into our lives and remind ourselves what the true spirit of art and culture is all about. For Canary Wharf, this means creating opportunities for conviviality, connection and creativity through art, through authentic engagement; through coming together again. Just like it always has.
Keep an eye on the ‘What’s on’ section of the Canary Wharf website to stay up to date with the art, performance, dance, music, theatre, sport, film and more taking place throughout the year.
DISCOVER A DESTINATOIN WITH CULTURE AT ITS CORE
Find out more about what it’s like to live in such a vibrant, eclectic and culturally rich neighbourhood.
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