Visitors to Spectra, Scotland’s Festival of Light, 2025 are invited to journey into an imaginary world as Gray’s School of Art unveils, Northern Lights, a spectacular augmented reality experience.
Featuring as part of the Spectra 2025 programme, Northern Lights is an eclectic virtual exhibition that will transform the Rosemount Viaduct, directly in front of His Majesty’s Theatre.
Aberdeen artist Craig Barrowman has been commissioned by Look Again at Gray’s School of Art, to lead the project, which will feature digital artwork produced by five artists inspired by Aberdeen, the North-east and Spectra’s 2025 theme ‘Journeys’.
Using a smartphone camera to scan QR codes, audiences can immerse themselves in an augmented reality experience. When you enter the ring of "doorways", inspired by ancient stone circles, visitors can unlock and explore interactive artworks, stepping into a new and imaginative world.
The QR codes will unlock the Northern Lights programme which features a range of digital artwork inspired by the North-east’s rich cultural heritage, that celebrates themes that include Scottish Selkie folklore, the weaving trade of the North-east, and famous Aberdeenshire ‘mascots’ such as the iconic buttery and pesky seagull.
Lead artist Craig Barrowman, an alumnus from Gray’s, who produced last year’s Northern Lights showcase for Look Again, said: “I’m really excited to be leading Look Again’s Northern Lights showcase as part of Spectra 2025.
"The interactive augmented reality exhibition will include an engaging collection of digital artworks from five talented artists, inspired by Aberdeen, the North-east, and Spectra’s 2025 theme ‘Journeys’.”
Look Again creative director, Sally Reaper, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Aberdeen City Council and Live Event Management to lead the Northern Lights augmented reality experience as part of Spectra 2025.
“At Look Again at Gray’s School of Art, we are deeply committed to enhancing culture in the North-east of Scotland.
"This commission offers a fantastic opportunity for local artists at all stages of their careers to be part of a stellar lineup in a major festival.
"Spectra celebrates our civic spaces and cultural heritage, inspiring families and visitors to connect with the heart of our city in new and meaningful ways. It’s fun, uplifting, and brings much-needed brightness to Aberdeen during the winter months. We can’t wait for the public to experience Northern Lights when the festival opens."
Councillor Martin Greig, cultural spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council, said: “Spectra provides an unrivalled platform for artists to showcase their outstanding talents.
"The festival is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the excellent design work of the Northern Lights team from Gray's School of Art.
"Other local artists including Craig Barrowman are contributing splendid, imaginative creations which everyone will enjoy. The programme includes installations from further afield, including 'Sky Castle' from Australia. There will be a rich and exciting range of images and experiences that will delight visitors of all ages. This will be a dazzling attraction for the city centre."
Craig Barrowman, Lead artist Northern Lights
As part of the Northern Lights line up, illustrator and filmmaker Jonny Mowat from Catterline will present a playful collection of digital artworks entitled ‘Shire Dwellers’ that invites visitors to step through a virtual doorway to meet a colourful, motley crew of Aberdeenshire ‘mascots’ connected to the North-east such as the iconic buttery, seagull and lighthouse.
Handweaver and scientist, Lynne Hocking, will showcase a project produced from her studio in Aberdeen city, inspired by her family connections to the weaving trade in North-east Scotland that stretches over seven generations.
Italian-born artist Cristiana Messina will encourage visitors to embark on a journey of growth and self-discovery that defines a woman’s life, inspired by Scottish Selkie folklore and created by AI tools.
Gray’s alumnus, Simon Knox offers visitors a chance to experience a journey of relaxation and calm as they look through a portal of kaleidoscopic light, reflection, and sound.
Meanwhile, Italo-Ukrainian digital artist, Veronica Petukhova, will present ‘Echoes of the Moon’, as she encourages visitors to travel through time to follow astral paths and the glistening fires in the sky to discover a group of mysterious people who lived centuries ago.
For more information, visit: https://lookagainaberdeen.co.uk/spectra-northern-lights
For more information about the Spectra programme, visit: http://www.spectrafestival.com/
@lookagainabdn