Buzz from the Bush is an interactive digital art installation that blurs the lines between art and history.
SHEPHERD’S Bush is an area of London that is often looked over as a destination for anything other than shopping at Westfield, but Buzz from the Bush (a combined project being put on by the Bush Theatre and Elephant West gallery) aims to change that.
In the short time I spent at the introductory event, my entire perception of Shepherd’s Bush was changed.
Although it sounds complicated, the installation is in fact very simple.
♦ Step one: download a QR code scanning app.
♦ Step two: either head to the Bush Theatre and scan the QR codes that are on photographs on the walls, or head into the surrounding area to find the codes in the wild. They are printed on beautiful vinyl artworks and are in important locations – there are maps available at the Bush Theatre with the locations marked.
For me, the most interesting location was Frestonia. In the 70s, this small area in Shepherd’s Bush declared itself a separate nation-state and actually got away with it for a while. At the time it was an area brimming with creativity and bohemia, and Buzz from the Bush seems to have been inspired by the essence of Frestonia itself. If you want to learn more about it though you’ll have to find the corresponding QR code yourself!
Each code unlocks a bit of local history, but also a short poem written by Alissa Anne Jeun Yi. Alissa and Kristina Chan make up the creative team behind the installation, and together they have created a unique, interactive experience in London.
After talking to both of them, I learned that they hoped it would be an active, fun thing for families in particular to do. Something different to do on the weekend and a fresh way to explore a bit of London.
However, I think this would also be an excellent date idea. It’s a bit off the wall, but it’s something a bit more memorable than just going for a drink (although grabbing a drink after the installation would still be an excellent idea).
After the mini scavenger hunt, we headed over to the Elephant West gallery for a final poem performed by Alissa. The building used to be a petrol station but has now been repurposed for a gallery space. It’s a very cool space and listening to Alissa’s words about art, creativity and how it is a vital part of life really encapsulated what the whole event and installation is about.
London is brimming with creativity and unique perspectives. Buzz in the Bush does a wonderful job of highlighting and exploring this. So if you want to do something off the beaten path, impress a new date or just learn a bit more about London’s history, check out this unique installation that will be available in Shepherd’s Bush until September.
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