A NEW light and sound show exploring art and social change will take place in Salisbury in November.

The event opens at the Salisbury Cathedral on Tuesday, November 7.

Sarum Lights – Illuminating Art created by Luxmuralis takes visitors on a journey from Baroque Art and the Protestant-Catholic conflicts of the 16th century through to Art Deco and the early 20th-century industrialisation and photography.

Salisbury Journal: Sarum LightsSarum Lights (Image: Luxmuralis)

Luxmuralis’ Artistic Director Peter Walker said: “Visitors can choose how they want to experience the exhibition, either basking in glorious images and sound or digging a little deeper and contemplating the big ideas that emerged after the Renaissance. 

“It is their choice. All the paintings we know, and love will be there, but there will also be areas that investigate what was happening when those pictures were created.”

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The displays in the Cloisters, Trinity Chapel and North Nave Aisle reflect on four centuries of new ideas starting with moral philosophy, natural science and the first English dictionary moving to the American War of Independence, the abolition of slavery and women’s emancipation. The display moves onto early photography and Zoetrope – an early animation device.

Starry, Starry Night in the North Transept is an interactive display devoted to impressionism and post-impressionism and invites visitors to write and share thoughts on star-shaped cards – a reference to Vincent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night.

The finale in the Nave showcases the Pre-Raphaelites and the Impressionists – seen in a new light.

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Canon Treasurer, and chair of Salisbury Cathedral’s Arts Advisory Panel, said: “Cathedrals have always used art, light and sound to explore their ideas and values, so projections like this work really well in here, and the space itself adds another layer to the experience.

“The timing is particularly poignant too, with this show exploring significant ideas and movements as we move into Advent, the period in which we prepare for the coming of God’s light at Christmas.”

Sarum Lights: Illuminating Art opens on Tuesday, November 7 and runs until Saturday, November 11 2023.

Tickets are available from the Salisbury Cathedral website.