LONDON.- This winter, internationally acclaimed artist Jony Easterby premiered a new project where beautifully animated illustrations are being projected across buildings in Nine Elms, by the Thames in central London. Created using Pippa Taylor’s faithful depictions of the area’s namesake elm trees, the work invites London visitors and local residents to see buildings in the area in a new light from 13-21 December. The large scale light installations are a festive treat suitable for all ages and the highly visual outdoor work is free of charge to visit.

This specially commissioned visual spectacle, Light Up Nine Elms, utilises residential blocks, construction sites and public plazas as the canvas for this ambitious, site specific after-dark artwork, which has never been seen before. Buildings are being lit up after dark.

The Nine Elms place name has been traced back to the 17th Century and nine elm trees were known to be standing on Nine Elms Lane in the 1840s. The row of elms are thought to have been replanted several times since then. In January 2019, the Nine Elms community re-planted the last two elm trees which had been missing since one tree was blown down in a storm and one was felled due to disease. The installation is a unique way to consider and interact with this special spot of nature and heritage, to enjoy the architecture of Nine Elms and get together with friends or family, after work or after school, to celebrate the winter season.

“My inspiration comes from the beauty of nature and the deep sadness that comes with it - as in these times we can’t take this beauty for granted anymore. The drawing process for me is always with music, when drawing the trees for Nine Elms I was mostly listening to Irish folk music. I work with a very fine pen, to ensure the drawings can withstand the enlargement of scale for the projection. I have to enter this space of intense stillness where no mistake is possible. I became inspired by Japanese paintings of bamboos and trees, the execution and simplicity of the line. I love the fact that from the starting point of my drawing in the studio, through Jony’s digital animations and projections, I can share my joy in the detail and beauty of the tree with thousands of people.” says Pippa Taylor, artist

Cllr Ravi Govindia, Leader of Wandsworth Council adds, “Translating our historic nine elm trees into light projections is a fantastic celebration of this part of Wandsworth as it grows into a new central London destination. We’re proud to have been able to host this wonderful winter light installation on buildings old and new, so I do hope that as many residents as possible get the opportunity to see the beautiful illustrations. Rooted in our local community, these elm trees have been a landmark for generations so we’re delighted to welcome visitors to see the illuminations and discover more about Nine Elms.”