2017 UK-India Year of Culture Launches with Large-Scale
Projection onto Buckingham Palace Façade
To mark the start of the UK-India Year of Culture, the British Council and Indian High Commission are delighted to have commissioned a unique artwork which was projected across the entire front façade of Buckingham Palace. The image was of India’s national bird, the peacock, and visible from all approaches to the Palace from 6pm on Monday night.
Guests arriving for a special reception hosted by Her Majesty The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, will have see the image as they enter the gates of the Palace.
The 2017 UK-India Year of Culture will celebrate the deep cultural ties of the two countries, and the reception at Buckingham Palace will mark the start of a year-long programme of events and exhibitions which will take place in both countries – details of which will be announced on Tuesday 28 February. These events are being organised by the British Council, together with the Indian High Commission in London, UK institutions and their Indian counterparts, with the aim to connect and inspire people to celebrate the long-standing relationship and vibrant cultural history.
Her Majesty was accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and other Members of the Royal Family at last night’s reception.
The projection has been designed by Studio Carrom, the Bangalore and London-based design studio, who have created an eye-catching image of a peacock with its tail fanned across the façade. Within the feathers, dancing figures can be seen. The peacock is India’s national bird and an iconic motif representing both India and performance. This image is also reminiscent of Indian fireworks, a symbol of celebration and festivities.
Alan Gemmell OBE, British Council Director India: “It isn’t every day that you have the opportunity to project an image onto the façade of Buckingham Palace. The peacock, both regal and dramatic, is the perfect metaphor for a year of incredible cultural events connecting UK and India. By using traditional motifs in a cool and contemporary way, Carrom have come up with a stunning image for one of the world’s most iconic facades. We hope it will delight Londoners and make them curious to find out more.”
Studio Carrom: “We wanted to ensure people knew this was about India, but which would also surprise and intrigue people, encouraging them to follow the UK/India Year of Culture. It needed to be cool and contemporary as well as referencing India’s rich cultural heritage. We were drawn to the idea of performance and dance as it encompasses different people and traditions that make India such a diverse and unique country.”
