METAMORPHOSIS
2023
Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool, UK
VIDEO: Click to play
Metamorphosis, 2023. Light projection artwork onto Liverpool Cathedral (c) Nicola Anthony 2023
A NEW ARTWORK BY NICOLA ANTHONY ILLUMINATEs THE LARGEST ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL EVER BUILT
Metamorphosis explores Liverpool’s rich history and evolution
[Buy a photographic print of this artwork here]
About this Light Projection Artwork:
Liverpool Cathedral was illuminated as a 50-metre-tall light artwork created by the artist Nicola Anthony. Titled Metamorphosis, the monumental light projection emblazoned the cathedral's facade with a poetic and curious message as a testament to the city’s vibrant spirit and multi-layered history.
The award-winning international sculptor took her theme from a quote found in Kafka’s novel of the same title. Inspired by Liverpool’s efforts to understand and address its colonial past, Anthony’s work delves into the complexities of those parts of us - as individuals, as buildings, or as cities - that are often left unspoken or are difficult to delve into. As the world faces unprecedented change, the artwork seeks inspiration from the city of Liverpool's layers and legacy, revealing the vulnerability and strength inherent in its transformation.
“In Kafka's novel, The Metamorphosis, a man turns into a beetle as a surreal metaphor for the parts of ourselves that we don't like, or cannot fathom. As Liverpool is a city that has reinvented itself many times and gone through much transformation, as well as taken bold steps to be conscious of it's history of slave trade, this seemed appropriate. I wanted something very human and vulnerable, which in itself has strength. The Cathedral is also a strong advocate of racial equality and has been boldly transparent about it's own building being connected with slave trading money during it’s creation, similar to many heritage buildings in the city.”
Nicola Anthony
Liverpool, located in northwest England, is a city with a rich history of transformation and a more recent reputation for arts and culture excellence, following the lead of Tate Liverpool opening in 1988. Its identity has been molded by historical, cultural, economic, and social forces, including its significance as a pivotal port city and its involvement in the British slave trade. In the latter half of the 20th century, Liverpool confronted economic decline and urban decay. However, through determined urban regeneration initiatives, such as the revitalization of the Albert Dock area and its designation as the European Capital of Culture in 2008, the city has reinvented itself.
Liverpool Cathedral is a crucial project partner as the site of this light projection, playing a pivotal role alongside project sponsors WSP UK and Martin Professional in making this significant project a reality. The Cathedral is home to a number of paintings and sculptures crafted by renowned modern and contemporary artists including Elisabeth Frink, Christopher Le Brun, and Adrian Wiszniewski. Cultural Programme Manager Elisa Nocente leads on the cathedral’s contemporary art programme including commissions, installations and cultural events and collaborations with partners in the city and beyond.
Anthony’s work has been acquired by museums, NGOs, and both public and private collections around the world. Her work focuses on revealing our inner humanity, and drawing threads of connection between people from all walks of life. Notable institutions where her work is permanently hosted include Steven Spielberg’s USC Shoah Foundation in Los Angeles, Galway University in Ireland, The Ingram Collection of British Art, and the Singapore Art Museum. As a British Anglo-Indian artist, her research consistently centers on exposing inequality and understanding the experience of otherness. This makes Liverpool an incredible site for her work and one which Anthony has often been inspired by: a place which has led the way in the UK on delving deeper, understanding and addressing our colonial past, and working together on a shared future.
The Dean of Liverpool, The Very Revd Dr Sue Jones said of the upcoming artwork:
“Liverpool Cathedral is one of Liverpool’s most photographed and iconic buildings a backdrop to the city scape. We are pleased to be able to use this for creative art projects. Our cathedral is a great supporter of art projects that connect with the people of the city alongside our incredible collection of artwork. I look forward to seeing this projection”
Thank you to project curator Elisa Nocente, and project sponsors WSP, Martin Professional, and of course the amazing team at Liverpool Cathedral.
ABOUT LIVERPOOL CATHEDRAL
Liverpool Cathedral is the largest Anglican cathedral ever built. Its construction over 74 years (despite two world wars and the depressions of 1930s and 1970s) is an extraordinary achievement which speaks volumes for the spirit and determination of local people. Based on the designs of architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in the Gothic Revival style, the cathedral was constructed between 1904 and 1978. The cathedral is a Grade I listed building which is free to enter and is open to the public 365 days a year, with three services per day, seven days a week.
About Nicola Anthony FRSA., MRSS.
(b. 1984) British Anglo-Indian sculptor challenging the status quo and elevating unheard voices through her public artworks globally. Working with museums and NGOs internationally, one of her most noteworthy sculptures hangs at Steven Spielberg’s USC Shoah Foundation in Los Angeles, and Spielberg himself commented that her art “plumbs the depths of my soul”. She is currently working on a large permanent sculpture for the National University of Ireland and a showcase in Miami this December.
Nicola’s sculptures tell powerful stories, light up buildings with messages, or sneak guerilla style into unsuspecting spaces. Notable exhibitions include a solo exhibition at Singapore Art Museum, a showcase at Kuala Lumpur Biennale, and a residency at the British Pavilion in Dubai.
Nicola is a diversity champion, an arts trustee, a mentor to young artists, and a collector of sound recordings which she captures in spaces of awe. Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, member of the Royal Society of Sculptors, alumni of University of the Arts London and Loughborough University.
Thank you to project sponsors and partners:
