‘Art of London Presents Take A Moment 2022’ is a new photography exhibition, and collaboration with photographer and artist Ray Burmiston in Piccadilly Circus. The exhibition was officially opened today, by Dr Ranj Singh, whose portrait also features in the mental health project.
The project aims to communicate the positive mental benefits of pausing for a moment in our every day lives, and features over one hundred A-list stars. Some of the celebrities who have closed their eyes for their portrait include David Walliams, Stephen Fry, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, Kate Moss, Richard Ayoade, Helena Bonham Carter, Ricky Gervais, Grayson Perry, Mel B, James Corden, Nish Kumar, and many others from the worlds of entertainment and sport.
When asked about his participation in the project, Dr Ranj said: “I’m delighted to launch and feature in Art of London and Ray Burmiston’s stunning photography exhibition, which will help remind everyone to take a moment each day to look after their mental health. This powerful photography project is an important reminder to pause and address our feelings and mental health - go see it and don’t forget to take a selfie for Instagram!”
Mark Williams, Director of Art of London, added: “We’re delighted to see Dr Ranj Singh unveil Art of London Presents Take A Moment 2022 – today’s launch not only strengthens the sheer amount of free public art in the West End but it is importantly addressing mental health issues in one of the world’s busiest locations."
Art of London’s world-class arts exhibition is now live on Europe’s largest advertising display, the Piccadilly Lights, and in a physical gallery directly underneath the famous advertising boards, supported by Westminster City Council. The free photography exhibition, which reminds people to take a moment to look after their mental health, will run until early April.
Landsec, which owns the Piccadilly Lights, donated the screen time for free in support of the campaign.
As part of the project, the public is encouraged to snap a selfie and share their own moment of reflection on Instagram this March. The exhibition will culminate in early April with a ten-minute video featuring hundreds of celebrity and public portraits, curated by Ray Burmiston, who shared their selfies to help raise awareness of mental health.
As part of the exhibition, Art of London will also install a pop-up photography studio underneath the Piccadilly Lights, twice in March, where West End visitors can have their own moment of reflection professionally captured by Ray Burmiston. Ray Burmiston has photographed local legends working at iconic institutions in the West End, including New West End Company, The Wolseley and Burlington Arcade, who all feature in the new exhibition.
The photographer also captured the cast of Magic Mike Live (Jake Brewer, Charlie Knight, Mark Lace, Brian Siregar; The Hippodrome), Thomas Aldridge (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child; Palace Theatre), Aisha Jawando (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical; Aldwych Theatre), Karl Queensborough (Hamilton; Victoria Palace Theatre), and Zizi Strallen (Mary Poppins; Prince Edward Theatre).
"Whether experiencing the art exhibition on the Piccadilly Lights or in the gallery underneath, I hope Ray’s photographs inspire people throughout March to close their eyes and take a moment of calm," Mark Williams added. "The West End is a phenomenal artistic hub and I’m delighted that iconic businesses in the area are supporting this important campaign, by exhibiting Ray’s artwork and creating an environment for people to take a moment.”
Ray Burmiston also commented on the work, saying: “Over the years I’ve been fortunate to work with some incredibly talented people who have not only allowed me to capture their ‘moment’ but also to share it part of this exhibition. It fills me with immense pride, that the idea of everyone taking a moment together, has become a reality on Piccadilly Lights, the biggest stage London has to offer."
The 'Art of London Presents Take A Moment 2022’ is part of a surge of activations and outdoor exhibitions transforming the West End area this year. The photography exhibition follows other phenomenal arts attractions, including the Augmented Gallery, several Pop-Up Art Exhibitions, the Piccadilly Art Takeover and Trail, with plenty more to come later in 2022.
Culture seekers can also discover a raft of spectacular arts destinations to visit using Art of London’s handy online guides, filled with world-class art galleries, theatres, museums, institutions and pop-ups to explore in the West End. Businesses in the West End district, including the Burlington Arcade and Waterstones, will feature photography from the exhibition and encourage members of the public to stop and ‘Take A Moment’ and think about their mental health.
As Councillor Matthew Green, Cabinet Member for Business, Licensing and Planning at Westminster City Council, said: “The ‘Take a Moment’ campaign is timely and worthwhile and we are incredibly honoured as a council to be able to provide our support. As life picks up pace again after a tumultuous two years, it feels more important than ever for everyone to check in on their mental health. The pop-up gallery below the lights is a unique oasis of calm in the heart of London. I encourage both West End residents and visitors alike to experience this fantastic free exhibition and enjoy a moment of stillness”.
Visit http://artoflondon.co.uk/takeamoment for further details.
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