Iri-Descent by Liz West

Clad with dichromatic film in two differing colourways, the cubes appeared to change colour as visitors moved around the atrium and between the floors above and below. There were two colour variations interlaced throughout – warm and cool – offering a multi-coloured range of hues. The highly reflective film also mirrored its surrounds and transmitted complementary colours outwards. Iri-Descent formed part of an ongoing series of spatial light works, based on research into colour theory and light fields, that aimed to transform architectural spaces and public environments.West works across a variety of media, mixing luminous colour and radiant light in a provocation of sensory reactions. With Iri-Descent, she aimed to encourage visitors to engage with the space in a new way, and to examine their own personal relationship to colour 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 colour – 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.