Thursday 28th June 2007
(ref:
WLCT89/2007)
The world’s leading rock ‘n’ roll lightshow specialist debuts his illuminating talents at the Turnpike Gallery this summer.
Internationally renowned Willie Williams, who has designed stage light shows for the likes of U2, The Rolling Stones and R.E.M., opens his first ever art project in a public gallery on Saturday 7th July. The exhibition, entitled Lumia Domestica, runs through to Saturday 1st September and is free to view.
For the past 25 years, Willie has been the vision behind dozens of live rock music shows. He is a leading figure within stage show and lighting design and has worked on installations as diverse as the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and Canterbury Cathedral.
Willie’s combination of hi-tech media and lo-tech eccentricity first received acclaim through his work with U2, particularly their ‘Zoo TV’ and ‘PopMart’ tours. His work with R.E.M., David Bowie and George Michael is also highly regarded as being both conceptually and technologically groundbreaking.
Willie said, “I am very excited to have the opportunity to create a lighting installation for the Turnpike Gallery. In a new way, it will encompass many of the themes incorporated in my performance work; the goal of making a beautiful environment through a combination of technology and engineering. Most crucially the heart of the creation depends on something lo-fi, humble and human.”
Martyn Lucas, Visual Arts Officer for Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, said, “We are delighted that Willie will be showcasing his talent at the Turnpike Gallery. This is the first time he has accepted an invitation to create an installation for an art gallery, so this is a UK first for us.
“Willie’s light themed installation playfully incorporates a range of household objects and is a really unique and exciting event for all visitors to the gallery. Cake stands will never appear the same again!”
An opening event for ‘Lumia Domestica’ takes place from 12.30pm to 3pm on Saturday 7th July at the Turnpike Gallery, Leigh. Attendees will have the chance to view the exhibition and speak to Willie in person.
For further information about ‘Lumia Domestica’, and the light-related activities that will accompany the exhibition throughout the summer, contact the gallery on 01942 404469 or via turnpike@wlct.org.
