Last Chance to See GLOW: Illuminating Innovation

Running until 20 April, GLOW: Illuminating Innovation seeks to capture and celebrate groundbreaking – and all too often overlooked - advancements in digital creativity by women in technology.

This multi-sited free exhibition celebrates historically significant pieces, including the first ever virtual reality documentary Hunger in LA (2012) by Nonny de la Peña - ‘the Godmother of VR’ - and the first experimentations with virtual and augmented reality eyewear.

Rebecca Allen’s Swimmer (1981) one of the original examples of computer animation and the first 3D animated female figure, Peggy Weil’s LIPSYNC/SCAN/LOOK (1981) comprised of early interactive animated portraits, and Tamiko Thiel’s Travels of Mariko Horo (2006) a mesmerising blend of the virtual world, historical architecture and folklore - all invite audiences to consider the roots and evolution of digital creativity led by women, over the past five decades.

Artefacts behind these digital creations, including prototype headsets, early experiments with haptic interfaces and video documentation of the first VR movie, are exhibited in The Curiosity Cabinet.

Brand new commissions from international artists Violeta Ayala, Yarli Allison and Lisa Jamhoury also feature in GLOW. Their creations include interactive AI-generated portraits, 3D printed animal robots, virtual sculptures, light and sound installations and a webXR clinic, all located inside the exhibition and outside on the now pedestrianised Strand Aldwych streetscape.

Until 20 April 2024

The Arcade, Bush House and Strand Aldwych, WC2R 1ES

Opening times: Mon-Sat 10:00 – 18:00



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