Renée Levi’s Daring Public Art at London’s Iconic Gallery
Renée Levi has ventured into new territory with her vibrant installation on the facade of London’s Hayward Gallery, known for its innovative exhibitions. The piece, titled September, is her first large-scale public work in the UK, featuring two fluorescent panels that boldly contrast with the building’s iconic Brutalist concrete.
Combining Architecture and Art at the Hayward Gallery
Commissioned by the Hayward Gallery and Audemars Piguet Contemporary, the installation integrates directly with the gallery’s architectural features. Rather than using a traditional canvas, Levi uses the building’s surface as her medium, transforming it with vivid colors like greens, pinks, blues, and oranges.
The artwork also marks a significant milestone for Audemars Piguet Contemporary, being their first commissioned fluorescent painting. Levi’s dynamic approach melds the structure’s sharp geometry with her artistic expression, treating the protruding rectangular window, known as the ‘eye,’ as an integral part of her composition.
The venue offers a unique backdrop that enhances the impact of this groundbreaking art installation, connecting viewers with the synergy between modern architecture and vibrant art.
For another example of bold architectural artwork, explore how floral choreography illuminates a 13th-century church with captivating lighting techniques.
Artistry and Innovation at the Central London Venue
Levi utilizes industrial mesh as her painting surface, harnessing its potential to handle bold, oversized marks while allowing air to pass through. This material choice underscores the intersection of art with everyday materials typically used in advertising, creating a subversive dialogue between commerce and creativity.
The artwork’s interaction with its environment extends beyond static observation; it changes with light, weather, and perspective, reflecting the transitional nature of both art and life in a bustling city. This helms a partnership between art and architecture that encourages viewers to engage with the space dynamically at the gallery.
Renée Levi’s Expanding Artistic Footprint
Levi’s September is part of Audemars Piguet Contemporary’s broader initiative, which includes collaborations with artists like Cao Fei and Ryoji Ikeda. Her body of work, which spans prominent venues like Palais de Tokyo and Kunstmuseum Basel, speaks to her continued exploration of new artistic dimensions at this landmark location.
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The installation is on view from September 23 to November 15, 2026, inviting both intentional visitors and passersby to witness its evolving presentation. As the seasons shift and natural light alters, so does the experience of Levi’s profound interplay between color and concrete.
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is Renée Levi’s first large-scale public work in the UK?
Renée Levi’s first large-scale public work in the UK is an installation on the facade of London’s Hayward Gallery, featuring two fluorescent panels that contrast with the building’s Brutalist concrete.
What material does Renée Levi use for her Hayward Gallery installation?
Renée Levi uses industrial mesh as her painting surface for the Hayward Gallery installation, allowing the artwork to handle bold, oversized marks and enabling air to pass through.
When can visitors view Renée Levi’s September installation?
The installation is on view from September 23 to November 15, 2026, inviting both intentional visitors and passersby to witness its evolving presentation.