GLIMPSE THE FUTURE WITH NAVY PIER’S INTERACTIVE ART INSTALLATION “LOOP”
Navy Pier is bringing visual and interactive art in full circle with its latest free public art installation, Loop. Inspired by the zoetrope – an optical device invented in the 19th century – this retro-futuristic machine creates playful animations with the simple pull of a lever, bringing to life 13 classic fairytales. Set to debut in Polk Bros Park on Thursday, February 28, the interactive and whimsical installation will remain on display through Sunday, May 12.
Loop, produced by Ekumen and Montreal-based Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, is a cross between a music box, a zoetrope and a railway handcar. Guests of all ages are welcome to sit inside of one of the 12 nine-foot cylinders and pull a lever to set in motion a flickering strobe effect of black and white images accompanied by sound – reminiscent of early films. Once activated, the cylinder becomes animated with light and sound, creating the illusion of motion in the drawings. The black and white images can be viewed from close up or far away. The speed at which the images fly by, the frequency at which the light flickers and the rhythm of the audio composition are all directly related to the pace set by the participants’ effort at the pump-powered machine.
This unique installation is brought to Navy Pier by creators and designers Ekumen, Olivier Girouard, Ottoblix and Jonathan Villeneuve, in collaboration with Generique Design, Thomas Ouellet Fredericks and Jérôme Roy.
Loop is part of Navy Pier’s ongoing commitment to offer guests free, one-of-a kind arts and cultural programming, designed to inspire, educate and connect communities and guests across the city and globe. For more information, visit www.navypier.org or download the Navy Pier app on any Android or iOS device.
About Navy Pier
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is one of the top-attended nonprofit destinations in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and welcoming more than 9 million guests annually. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities and more. The Pier recently celebrated its 100th anniversary with the unveiling of the iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. In 2019, Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing pier-wide redevelopment efforts – including a 220-room Hilton hotel with rooftop bar, a marina and more – in addition to free, year-round arts and cultural programming designed to inspire, educate and connect communities across the city and globe. Click here to donate to Navy Pier, a 501(c)(3) organization, in support of free public programs. For more information, visit www.navypier.org or download the free Navy Pier app for Android and iOS devices.
Navy Pier Mission Statement
Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery and wonder.