7th October – 16th December 2023
Light Up presented an exhibition of light art featuring the work of artists Jim Bond, Joshua Space and Travelling Light Circus as part of Wigan Borough’s annual Light Night festival. Ranging from dazzling light installations to innovative ‘people-powered’ light sculptures, the show invited visitors to generate energy to light up the works on display.
Jim Bond is a sculptor specialising in dynamic kinetic structures and forms which evolve before the eyes. His fascination with mechanisms and human anatomy led him to an exploration of anthropomorphic machines as creators of their own narratives.
Working from his studio in Yorkshire he exhibits nationally and internationally most recently at The Morris Museum, USA; commissions for the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge University and Lords Cricket Museum, London; and light installations for IOU Theatre and Light Night Leeds.
Joshua Space is a sculptor and designer who creates interactive, light-based, kinetic installations. His work marries time-based elements with contrasting spatial scenarios to address the convoluted relationship between sense, rationalisation, and identity. He has exhibited internationally and recently collaborated with artist Zarah Hussain on Invisible Threads, which was shown at The Turnpike Gallery in 2022. 
Established in 2009, Travelling Light Circus creates installations, performances and events. As a collective of creative practitioners, they create shows which meld together circus, dance and theatre along with fire, lights and music. “We dream up giant mechanical toys, made real in steam punk glory. Toys which deceive the senses, musical toys, machines of science and art, consoles to control lights spiralling in the sky above you.” 
Alongside the exhibition, artist-led workshops took place during October half term and visitors were invited to create their own lanterns to carry in Leigh Light parade on Saturday 18th November.