iri-descent by liz west is a suspended arrangement of 150 skeleton-framework cubes located in the atrium of the historic fortnum & mason store in piccadilly.

clad with dichromatic film in two differing colorways, the cubes appear to change color as visitors move around the atrium and between the floors above and below. There are two color variations interlaced throughout – warm and cool – offering a multi-colored range of hues. the highly reflective film also mirrors its surrounds and transmits complementary colors outwards.

iri-descent forms part of an ongoing series of spatial light works, based on research into color theory and light fields, that aim to transform architectural spaces and public environments.

west works across a variety of media, mixing luminous color and radiant light in a provocation of sensory reactions. with iri-descent, she aims to encourage visitors to engage with the space in a new way, and to examine their own personal relationship to color and light. fortnum’s heritage and iconic landmark location provided the inspiration for the installation.

west said: “i am delighted to have been invited to work with london design festival in the atrium of fortnum & mason. it is a particularly joyful commission to work on due to the passion, knowledge and commitment of everyone involved. i have thoroughly enjoyed conceiving this and finding delicious materials to ignite the work and people’s imaginations and perceptions.”

zia zareem-slade, customer experience director, fortnum & mason said, “fortnum & mason is no mere shop, but is an immersive destination, sensorial experience, and place of wonder and joy. throughout every floor there is a visual feast and an explosion of color – and so with that in mind, we’re delighted to be teaming up again with london design festival and liz west to present ‘iri-descent’. a piece that creates curiosity, captures joy and plays with light and sparkle in such a beautiful way, we’re excited to see in our atrium and to share it with our customers”.

supported by fortnum & mason.

14 – 22 sept
monday-saturday 10am–9pm, sunday 11.30am–6pm

fortnum & mason
181 piccadilly
w1a 1er

tube > piccadilly circus station | green park station

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