West End gets galactic glow-up for Women's Day

In the heart of Leicester Square, towering five-meter tall inflatable cats, bright blue in color, have taken center stage, capturing the attention of passersby. These impressive sculptures are as tall as a double-decker bus and create a stunning visual display, especially when illuminated at night. Surrounding the iconic Piccadilly Circus fountain, asteroid-shaped boulders, shimmering with iridescent colors, appear to have fallen from the cosmos, adding to the otherworldly atmosphere. These sculptures are strategically placed in front of Lillywhites, a well-known store, creating a unique backdrop for visitors. In a fascinating twist, an audio signal featuring various artists has been transmitted to the moon and back to Earth, creating a connection between our planet and the vast universe. A man was spotted standing in a red phone box, holding a phone and gazing upwards, seemingly engaged in a conversation with the moon. Meanwhile, at the Cabinet of Curiosities in St James's Market Pavilion, a collection of extraterrestrial-inspired ceramic artworks is on display, inviting visitors to explore the creativity of artists. A woman with long brown hair was seen admiring these unique pieces, which will be available for viewing until the end of May. The cultural experience culminates in a 25-minute screening on the iconic Piccadilly Lights, marking a first for this landmark. The West End is undergoing an intergalactic transformation with telescopes set up throughout central London, while Piccadilly Circus resonates with sounds that have been sent to the moon and back. The large illuminated sculptures of asteroid-sized moon rocks and giant fluorescent cats have been created by artist and designer Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian, showcasing the talents of female, queer, transgender, and non-binary artists and scientists in celebration of International Women's Day. This event aims to revitalize the night-time economy, which has suffered greatly, with 3,000 clubs, pubs, and bars closing in London since the pandemic, according to the Night Time Industries Association. The project, named Piccadilly Un:Plugged, seeks to position the capital as a cultural hub, with several galleries, including the National Gallery and Royal Academy of Arts, remaining open late on Fridays. Visitors will also experience the sounds of the West End, including music and the heartbeats of Ms Ben Hayoun-Stépanian's family, which will be heard in Piccadilly Circus. However, there is a unique twist: these sounds have been transmitted from the square to the moon and back, creating a 'unique astronomical soundscape. ' Additionally, the telescopes will allow the public to observe planets and nebulae, which are clouds of dust in space that often signify the birthplaces of stars. Piccadilly Un:Plugged is taking place during 'galaxy season,' a time when distant galaxies are most visible. Ms Ben Hayoun-Stépanian expressed her excitement, stating, 'Piccadilly Un:Plugged invites you to break free from the everyday and step into the extraordinary and alien aesthetics. ' She encourages everyone to gaze into the cosmos and recognize that we are just a small part of a much larger ecosystem and solar system. She believes that nightlife is a vital aspect of London culture, but it has faced significant challenges since the Covid pandemic. Ayse Hassan, one of the musicians whose work is being sent to the moon, described the experience as 'out of this world. ' Having grown up in London, she aimed to capture 'an absurd merge of London life in 2025' that would be sent and altered by the moon. Ms Ben Hayoun-Stépanian hopes this exhibit can reflect the vibrancy of London's nightlife as it once was. In a highly digital age where many feel increasingly disconnected from the natural world, she believes Piccadilly Un:Plugged invites Londoners to reflect on humanity's place in the universe. Kirsty Tullett-Jones, director of Art of London, which helped organize the event, remarked, 'It's a wild and imaginative experience. ' The goal is to make the collaboration of art and science accessible to everyone, surprising people with bold and boisterous art. One passerby shared her amazement, stating she had 'never seen anything like it. ' After closely examining the installation at Piccadilly Circus, she expressed her curiosity about how the moon had altered the sound of music. Ms Ben Hayoun-Stépanian emphasized that the event conveys a message of love, compassion, healing, and peace, urging a reconsideration of our futures on Earth and in space through a lens that values inclusivity, sustainability, plurality, and transnational thinking. The After Dark exhibition, which runs from March 6 to 8, was commissioned by the Heart of London Business Alliance and Westminster City Council and delivered by Art of London.