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Claire Luxton, ‘Messanger’ at Wembley Park, Summer Art Exhibition, 2023 London, UK.

Joining the photo exhibition at Wembley Park is a new, site-specific artwork produced by internationally acclaimed artist Claire Luxton, renowned for her boundary-pushing exploration of self-representation through poetry, performance, photography and technology. Titled ‘Messenger’, Luxton’s vast, expansive artwork spans different media and formats, seamlessly blending with elements of Wembley Park’s public realm, including a striking triptych display on Wembley Park’s Spanish Steps, three original K2 red telephone boxes in Arena Square and a series of large, 360-degree digital screens along Olympic Way and White Horse Square. Additionally, Luxton’s artwork greets visitors passing through Bobby Moore Bridge, where extensive digital screens adorn the space, showcasing the artist’s vision for the piece.

Drawing inspiration from ancient Greek mythology, where Hermes was the divine messenger, carrying dreams, impulses and messages, wings take centre stage in Luxton’s new artwork. Symbolizing intelligence, understanding, and the limitless possibilities that await, Luxton’s artwork captivates viewers with its depth and texture, enveloping and fascinating viewers. The installation on the Spanish Steps delivers an engaging, immersive experience, with viewers able to walk up and down the artwork, as well as admire its illusory qualities against the backdrop of the National Stadium. 

“Messenger is made up of clusters of wings morphing and evolving together in an optical illusion of colour and depth. Wings have often been seen as the expression of aspiration towards a higher-than-human condition, a bridge of imagination, thought, freedom and victory. In ancient Greece, Hermes had winged heels, a symbol of the traveller and the messenger, this was said to represent the carrier of dreams, of impulse, of movement. The Greeks also represented love and victory with wings. According to Plato, wings represent intelligence and understanding. This piece aims to act as a gateway of possibility, a pathway that can hold the dreams and aspirations of those before and what is to come.”

Claire Luxton’s visually enticing wing designs feature on the three classic red telephone boxes in Wembley Park’s Arena Square this summer, adjacent to the Grade-II listed OVO Arena Wembley. Reverse printed onto vinyl, the yellow, blue, and green designs draw in the viewer with perceptions of depth and texture. 

The third of Claire’s trio of ‘Messenger’ pieces takes the form of digital artworks, featuring animated versions of both the Spanish Steps and telephone box installations. The artist is well known for her blending of media, stating that she “creates canvases thanks to photography”, performing detailed narratives for the camera and achieving an immersive effect through post-production digital technology, leaving the viewer wondering if they are looking at a painting or photography. 

“We are delighted to welcome four inspirational new installations to Wembley Park’s free outdoor art trail. Claire Luxton’s work is soaring and vibrant and aptly reflects how Wembley Park is a place where heroes have been made for over a hundred years. The Alzheimer’s Society’s campaign is a brilliant reminder of the beauty and fragility of memories. These thought-provoking pieces will be available for the public to view and contemplate throughout the summer months, further enhancing Wembley Park’s reputation as one of London’s most culture-packed neighbourhoods.”