HeART of Christmas Review
DISCLOSURE – THIS EXPERIENCE WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST/S FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Dee Ryz
Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the launch of The HeART of Christmas, a truly moving art installation by the acclaimed conceptual light-based artist Alexa Muen. Held at the vibrant Art’otel Battersea Power Station, this unique exhibition is a collaboration with Nine Elms Arts Ministry and supported by Watkin Jones. Spanning six fabulous installations, it offers a multisensory journey designed to bring calm and reflection to the often-hectic festive season.
Alexa Muen is well-known for her innovative approach to light and sensory art. Her work has a way of drawing people into moments of deep emotional resonance, blending personal reflection with collective meaning. The HeART of Christmas is no exception, offering a visual and emotional escape from the chaos of the holidays and inviting visitors to connect with the season in a more meaningful way.
Nine Elms Arts Ministry, a brilliant local initiative, focuses on bringing art into the community to spark creativity and reflection. They’ve played an integral role in bringing this wonderful project to life, showing how art can inspire us to pause, think, and engage with our surroundings.
The six installations in The HeART of Christmas are all themed around different aspects of the season, each using light, sound, or scent to create an atmosphere of wonder and contemplation:
• Remember: A stunning mixed-media light painting depicting the Christ child encased in a rainbow heart that transforms into a tree. The imagery represents hope, love, and the grounding power of roots.
• Rejoice: A modern take on the Madonna and Child, painted with encaustic wax in a nod to ancient Egyptian Coptic Christian art. It feels timeless yet fresh.
• Reflect: A striking mirror installation where visitors see themselves reflected alongside “Heart of Christmas” scrolls, which anyone can add to with their personal thoughts and wishes.
• Renewal: A contemporary reimagining of the Christmas tree, inspired by the Great Tree of Celtic mythology. Its elegant design speaks to the cyclical renewal of life.
• Reborn: This piece is an immersive soundtrack, incorporating human and natural heartbeats.
• Release: The final piece is a sensory triumph, filling the room with a bespoke scent crafted to promote relaxation and meditation. Seasonal notes of myrrh, frankincense, pine, and citrus evoke both Christmas and tranquillity.
The exhibition is housed within Art’otel Battersea Power Station, right in the heart of the newly revamped Battersea Power Station development. It’s incredibly easy to get to, with Battersea Power Station tube station (Northern Line) just a stone’s throw away. Local buses and scenic riverside walks also make it a convenient and lovely destination, whether you’re coming from elsewhere in London or visiting from further afield.
The HeART of Christmas is a delightful oasis of calm in the busy lead-up to Christmas. Whether you need a break from shopping or simply want to experience something truly special, this installation offers a chance to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what really matters this festive season.
Entry is free, and no booking is needed. The exhibition runs daily from 12 to 8pm, from 30th November 2024 to 4th January 2025, at the Art’beat studio inside Art’otel Battersea Power Station. Don’t miss this beautiful festive retreat – it’s a true treat for the soul.
Rating: 5/5 stars.