Durham is a historic city located in the northeast of England, known for its medieval cathedral and Norman castle, both of which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s also home to Durham University, one of the oldest universities in England. Here you can enjoy charming cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, and a picturesque setting on the River Wear. Rich history and contemporary culture; what’s not to like?

In the heart of Durham chilly evening air a new public art installation recently sprouted like a beacon of collective voice and personal expression. “On Blank Pages,” was a brainchild of renowned public artists Luzinterruptus, commissioned by Artichoke for the luminescent tapestry of Lumiere Durham 2023. Known for their signature blend of literary love and interactive engagement, the artists once again wove a narrative that turned passersby into poets, thinkers, and artists.

“On Blank Pages” has journeyed through the veins of cities worldwide, but its stint at Lumiere Durham was not just another dot on the map. This one became a monumental dialogue between the public and the pulsating questions surrounding the UK’s judicial system- a thematic choice that bore a bumper crop of words and opinions. The installation – a sprawling wall blanketed with over 2,200 white-sheeted notebooks – stood not just as an art piece but as a testament to freedom of expression, resilience against the elements, and a profound ecological consciousness with its cement-derived paper.

But what truly set the Durham iteration apart was its thematic heart. Diving deep into the labyrinth of the judicial process, prisons, and the remnants of colonial regimes, the project turned a mirror to society’s deepest flaws and silent cries for justice. Workshops across the UK funneled diverse voices into this wall of reflection, creating a tapestry of public opinion that was as raw as it was real. This was not just art for art’s sake; it was a societal pulse check, an open forum where the wind carried whispers of reform, critique, and hope across the illuminated nights of Durham.

The beauty of “On Blank Pages” lies not just in its visual spectacle but in its ability to morph with each contribution – a living, breathing entity that reflects the collective soul. As the public poured their thoughts – the piece transcended its physical form, becoming a monument of shared narratives and unfiltered truths. Durham wasn’t just hosting a festival; it was nurturing understanding and evolution, page by page, voice by voice.

Lumiere Durham is commissioned by Durham County Council. Lumiere London is commissioned by the Mayor of London. Artichoke is a registered charity, funded by Arts Council England.

238

138

45