New Destination for Art Lovers at Heathrow's Terminal 5

British Airways has commissioned emerging artists and designers to create eight contemporary art works for its new home at Terminal 5, Heathrow.

Under the direction of Susie Allen, founding director of Artwise Curators, Christopher Pearson, Troika, Oona Culley, Robert Orchardson and El Ultimo Grito have created site specific artworks that demonstrate a strong combination of art, design and technology for British Airways' new £60 million luxurious suite of lounges.

Christopher Pearson has used animation to design a British Airways crest in trompe l'oeil that comes alive in 3D, and a moving eight-metre wallpaper inspired by William Morris' famous Willow Boughs design. Pearson has also made three pairs of glass screens in the First Class Galleries Lounge, containing delicate 3D laser etchings, based on the changing seasons of the English Oak.

Troika has developed a unique 22-metre long art wall that functions as a creative world clock for all customers entering the lounge using the latest electroluminescent technology. They have also contributed a kinetic sculpture in the form of a stylised cloud at the entrance to the lounges made from over 5000 flip dots that are animated to change throughout the day.

El Ultimo Grito has designed a totally new concept for the Kidzones. Oona Culley and Robert Orchardson are the first artists to produce ephemeral works for the glass screens.

Leading designers Davies + Baron created the six lavish lounges in which the works are based. The lounges have been designed and fitted with the style and luxury of a modern boutique hotel - using environmentally friendly materials. The lounges, collectively known as 'Galleries', make up one of the largest and most luxurious airline lounge complexes in the world, hosting some 2,500 of British Airways' premium customers.

Gary Ranns, British Airways' lounges manager, said, "British Airways has a longstanding 11 year relationship with Artwise and has amassed a collection of more than 1,500 artworks that charts the emerging British talent of the last decade. We hope to add to the art in the galleries at Terminal 5. Pieces from our collection will be installed at intervals to make our Galleries a destination for art lovers."

Susie Allen from Artwise Curators added, "In a decade which is daily experiencing technological breakthroughs, this special group of young artists are rethinking the classic understanding of art and design forcing us to consider how art practice is being turned on its head. We are thrilled that British Airways is showcasing the wealth of creativity produced in this country. This is a wonderful example of how the creative industries can work together to establish a first class product."

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