Another visually impressive art installation, this time in the historic Covent Garden market building. Heartbeat is the work of artist Charles Petillon and the latest in his Invasions series, in which he installs clusters of white balloons in various locations.
Heartbeat consists of approximately 100,000 white balloons, is around 54 metres in length by 12 metres wide, and fills the space beautifully. It is suspended by a series of wires which adds to the illusion of a giant floating cloud. There is also a gently pulsing white light which symbolises the beating of a heart.
"With Heartbeat I want to represent the Market Building as the beating heart of this area - connecting its past with the present day to allow visitors to re-examine its role at the heart of London life. Each balloon has its own dimensions and yet is part of a giant but fragile composition that creates a floating cloud above the energy of the market below. This fragility is represented by contrasting materials and also the whiteness of the balloons that move and pulse appearing as alive and vibrant as the area itself."
This is a lovely playful intervention which utilises the space wonderfully.
Charles Petillon - Heartbeat
until 27th September
Covent Garden Market
