700m kaleidoscope artwork opens at Greenwich Peninsula

Hundreds and Thousands, which opened on March 25, is an eye-catching immersive art installation created by British artist Liz West, and sees a vast glass facade act as a "welcome piece of uplifting public art."

The 700m kaleidoscopic walkway wraps around The Tide, the elevated riverside park open on the Greenwich Peninsula, and is all open to free for the public to visit.

An art installation entitled Hundreds and Thousands, by artist Liz West which has been commissioned by Greenwich Peninsula is unveiled by the riverside in Greenwich, London.

Colour panels will transform the glass balustrades of The Tide, creating a rhythmic display of bright shades and luminous stripes used to augment and enhance the visitor experience and cast the structure’s striking architecture in a new light

Kaia Charles, cultural curator at Greenwich Peninsula commented “Liz West’s Hundreds and Thousands couldn’t come at a better time for us.

"As spring begins, we hope this will be a welcome piece of uplifting public art for both those that call the Peninsula home, and the abundance of visitors who make up the thriving community here.

An art installation entitled Hundreds and Thousands, by artist Liz West which has been commissioned by Greenwich Peninsula is unveiled by the riverside in Greenwich, London.

"The importance of accessible art and culture in bringing Londoners back together safely cannot be underestimated and we are delighted that such a joyous piece is the first in our series of colourful commissions for The Tide. We hope people will feel uplifted by the bold and bright riverside experience.”

Hundreds and Thousands forms part of a series of spatial light works based on artist Liz West’s research into wellbeing, human colour perception and light fields.

West says she wants to transform the public realm in a vivid mix of colour and light, and the multiple reflective glass surfaces adorned with jewel-like colours will reflect the surroundings and appear to undulate as visitors move around The Tide.

The Greenwich Peninsula team said that depending on the time of day, the unique and changing light reflections enables the local community and visitors alike to enjoy the same work in various forms.

"This changing experience pays homage to The Tide’s geography and proximity to the Greenwich meridian line by behaving as a sundial."

Liz West, the artist behind the piece, adds “The experience of seeing my work as you move along and around The Tide gives visitors a multicoloured and rich visual experience that will hopefully trigger feelings of wellbeing and joy.

An art installation entitled Hundreds and Thousands, by artist Liz West which has been commissioned by Greenwich Peninsula is unveiled by the riverside in Greenwich, London.

"Hundreds and Thousands unveils unexpected delights for the senses, much like encountering the overwhelming cacophony of colour and shapes when walking into a sweet shop; the multicoloured pattern never repeats itself; juicy reflections on nearby surfaces; a spectral sundial on a sunny day.”

Visitors are invited to enjoy Hundreds and Thousands at their own pace, as well as through a series of events that each offer a new take on the piece.

These include:

• Tuesday 6th April, an ‘in conversation with’ virtual talk where artist Liz West will join Kaia Charles, Greenwich Peninsula’s cultural projects manager for a discussion on colour and form

• Saturday 29th May, Hundreds and Thousands and The Tide will become a vibrant catwalk showcasing women's wear designer Kitty Joseph colourful design

• Sunday 30th May, Hundreds and Thousands and The Tide will become the stage for an inspiring dance performance choreographed by LawLaw Land

After a year unlike any other, Hundreds and Thousands marks the beginning of a programme of uplifting and joyful free experiences on the peninsula for Londoners and the local community to enjoy, with the full summer programme set to be announced soon, say the team.

Just a short walk from North Greenwich tube station, Greenwich Peninsula is a new neighbourhood 'being brought to life by entrepreneurial urban placemakers Knight Dragon,' and the art installation is one of many coming to the area.

The Tide, which connects the seven unique districts of the Peninsula to create a unique 5km elevated pathway, is home to an impressive public art trail with several significant sculptures.