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04 Dec 2017

Heinrich and Palmer to transform The Deep as Hull celebrates year as UK City of Culture

With its year as UK City of Culture coming to a close, Hull is wrapping up 12 months of public artworks by using light and sound to turn The Deep aquarium into a giant art installation.

From 8 December the iconic aquarium, designed by Terry Farrell and Partners, will be lit up as its architecture and façade receive a virtual remodelling.

Called Floe, images will be projected onto the side of The Deep, exploring the structure’s inspiration, while also taking into account its position as a major visitor attraction, and international conservation and research charity.

The concept, by British artists Heinrich and Palmer, also links to Hull’s historical and modern relationship with the sea.

“We want to create a sense of drama and depth using projection, light and sound reflecting the environment within and the geological associations underpinning The Deep’s design,” said Heinrich and Palmer, who have worked together since 1991.

“When we delved into Sir Terry Farrell’s vision and conceptual approach to designing the building, we uncovered various images and ideas that sparked our imagination.

"Geology holds clues to the history of the oceans. During the last ice age the ice sheet terminated in this area and we want to suggest a sense of geological change and deep time linked to the rich aquatic life found in the world’s oceans.”

The three-day project will be the final commission of Hull 2017’s Look Up programme of artworks in the public realm.

The year's programme featured 12 projects, including the placement of a 75m-long (250ft) rotor blade in the city centre and the installation of 16 giant galvanised steel columns.