Heart of London Business Alliance’s award-winning cultural initiative Art of London, in partnership with the Royal Academy of Arts, has today installed a new collection of colourful flags lining the streets of Piccadilly, created by renowned visual artist and Royal Academician, Rana Begum and titled No.1273 Flag, 2023.
As a teaser for Art of London’s upcoming Summer Season 2023: The Art of Entertainment, members of the public will discover art in the sky over London’s famous Piccadilly from 30 May until 20 August 2023. Featuring geometric patterns inspired by Islamic art and architecture, Rana Begum RA’s public art provides colour and entertainment to the millions of people passing through the city.
Rana Begum RA’s aerial installation features tiled mosaic patterns and uses colour and space to reflect the unique energy of the West End’s world-class cultural institutions. Art of London’s Summer Season will transform the West End and the new flags are the first hint of artwork set to inspire the public and decorate the city’s streets.
Rana Begum RA, Artist, said: “It’s a privilege to work on this project and bring the colour and vibrancy of art out of galleries and into Piccadilly. The theme ‘Art of Entertainment’ suggests energy and dynamism, celebrating dance, music and theatre. I wanted to use colour and geometry to capture this movement in my designs. As you move through the space the composition and colours shift to create a successive rhythm of tone and form. There’s a unifying melody that runs through the work, using repetition to suggest the possibility of the infinite.”
Mark Williams, Director of Art of London, said: “Every year we look forward to bringing new and exciting public art to the streets of the West End for all to enjoy. We’re thrilled to kick start this in 2023 with such bright and beautiful flags designed by Rana Begum RA, to reflect the cultures and diversity of the world below in the heart of Piccadilly.”
Jo Prosser, Director of Audience & Experience, Royal Academy of Arts, said: “I love seeing Art of London’s banners going up along Piccadilly each year. It marks the start of our summer season: you can almost feel the sun coming out. Rana Begum RA’s beautiful installation accompanies you as you walk up Piccadilly…what a fantastic welcome to the West End.”
Rana Begum RA’s unique art will also feature as part of Art of London’s free and seasonal art programme, Art After Dark, which launched in March of this year and is back for its second installment in June. The late-night culture programme unites world-class art institutions and independent art houses across the West End and keeps gallery doors open late. Prestigious institutions participating in the unmissable arts programme include the National Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts and the National Portrait Gallery.
