Senior designer, Rachael Sheldon recently enjoyed a day of artistic exploration, immersing herself in two of London’s most intriguing cultural hotspots: Moco London and Frameless. From cutting-edge contemporary installations to fully immersive experiences, Rachael shared her thoughts on how these visits helped to fuel her creativity.

Exploring installations at Moco

Rachael began her journey at Moco London by exploring a mix of modern and iconic pieces. It had a wide range of contemporary works alongside iconic creations from artists like Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst. The museum offers a range of installations, from sculptures to immersive experiences, and highlights work from both established and emerging artists.

Rachael felt it was the perfect spot for people who may not enjoy traditional art spaces and are looking for something different. Among the many exhibits, the Robbie Williams exhibition stood out as it wasn’t what she expected and included thought-provoking quotes. She also loved seeing pieces from Banksy as she finds his work striking and loves the mix of humour and political commentary.

Thinking about how it could help to inspire future designs, Rachael said “The vibrant colours, interactive installations, and range of materials allowed me to think creatively about how these could impact future design work.”

Immersive art at Frameless

Next, Rachael ventured into Frameless, a gallery that takes immersion to the next level. Unlike traditional galleries, Frameless uses sensory elements to engage visitors in the art. Rachael found it fascinating to experience modern adaptations and innovative interpretations of renowned works.

The exhibition featured four interactive spaces, each offering a unique perspective. Of these, ‘The World Around Us’ captivated Rachael the most as it was incredibly immersive and dynamic.

One piece of artwork that particularly caught Rachael’s attention was John Atkinson Grimshaw’s Reflections on the Thames. The figures in the painting appeared so lifelike, as though they were walking alongside her amidst the smoke and bustle of London. It gave the impression that she was stepping back in time.

The presentation of the artwork at Frameless gave a whole new perspective. The larger scale gave the pieces a heightened significance, whilst music was carefully curated to enhance the emotional impact, making you feel as though you were part of the scene.

Creative Takeaways

Reflecting on her day, Rachael emphasised the value of these experiences for developing creativity: “Vibrant environments can stimulate fresh ideas, as the level of colour and variety of displays keep your eyes engaged, allowing for constant absorption of the surroundings. By baring this in mind when creating designs, it helps us to consider innovative approaches in our storytelling.”