Hear more from Mysticète creator, Catherine Garret, who reveals more about the inspiration and story behind the magical whale installation that makes its return to Lumiere this November.
Mysticète is the first of several popular returning artworks to be announced. The mesmerising 3D projection of a Baleen whale emerging out of the water, created by design agency Top’là and visual artist Catherine Garret, was a much-loved feature of Lumiere Durham 2015. For the festival’s 10th anniversary edition, happening from 14th to 17th November 2019, Mysticète will resurface on the River Wear at a new location north of Pennyferry Bridge.
Mysticète’s remarkable lifelike animation by Domenico Spano is complemented by an evocative soundtrack by Laurent Frick. The artwork’s environmental message, reminding visitors of the vulnerable beauty of nature and their duty to protect the earth’s inhabitants, has only become more pertinent since the whale last appeared four years ago.
Catherine Garret said: “I have always loved the strength, grace and majesty of whales - I first imagined Mysticète as a ballet. To me it’s important that feel we are a part of nature rather than separate from it, and that by taking care of the Earth and living things we are taking care of ourselves.
“In light of the environmental issues and natural disasters we are currently experiencing, Mysticète feels even more relevant than when it came to Lumiere in 2015. I want to create a bond between nature and everyone who sees the work, especially children. When you look at their spellbound faces, you realise they are the generation we are passing our world onto.”
Helen Marriage, Artistic Director of Artichoke, said: "Mysticète was such a hit with Lumiere audiences last time and I am so thrilled we’re able to present it in Durham again as part of the 10th anniversary edition. Mysticète’s magic is its ability to connect us with nature and show us a different way of looking at the world. I hope it will inspire our festival audience and be a fitting reminder of the preciousness of our world in this time of environmental crisis."
Lumiere, commissioned by Durham County Council and produced by arts charity Artichoke, will take place from 14th-17th November 2019. The full Lumiere programme, including additional festival favourites and exciting new works, will be announced on 17th October 2019.
You can find out more about Lumiere here https://www.lumiere-festival.com.