Illusionaries, The UK's first story-based Multisensory art experience opens in London

In a new era for experiential art, Illusionaries is launching a new story-based immersive experience in a format never seen before in the UK. Inside Illusionaries’ hypnotic world, from 29th June visitors can experience a mind-bending fusion of art and technology, as elements of light, sound and movement combine in ways beyond their wildest imaginations.

Illusionaries’ first exhibition at Crossrail Place in Canary Wharf will premiere Memories of a Dead Poet, a stimulating 40-minute art odyssey directed and animated by resident artist Arash Irandoust. In a series of groundbreaking digital spectacles across three exhibition galleries and a network of tunnels, audiences will discover otherworldly imagery and soulful soundscapes, culminating in an awe-inspiring finale.

With innovative, mesmerising digital installations blurring the line between reality and illusion, culture seekers can expect an unforgettable experience full of twists and turns. Showcasing Memories of a Dead Poet for an initial three-month run and located just a few minutes’ walk
from Canary Wharf Underground station, Illusionaries is conveniently located as an after-work activity or special date spot.

Each of the three galleries explores a different chapter in Memories of a Dead Poet’s transformative narrative:

‘Epilogue’: In a 360-degree wraparound projection, visitors are introduced to the titular character. Born in an unknown environment characterised by intriguing visuals, a series of struggles and conflicts arise as the protagonist moves through his surroundings, forcing audiences to contemplate themes of greed, jealousy, fear, and competition. This section of the story unravels in a beautifully crafted fifteen-minute sequence of bespoke two-dimensional animations.

‘Before the meaning comes’: Venture deep inside the room of infinite reflections to discover a multidimensional world which brings questions of life and death to the forefront. In this part of the story, mirrors act as the window to the protagonist’s epic voyage of rebirth, exploring memory, connection, and relationships.

‘Primordial Gardeners’: The final part of Memories of a Dead Poet is set in an intimate soundscape room that blends calming acoustics, mist, and visual projections. In this idyllic atmosphere, audiences are encouraged to decompress and reflect on the story, providing the opportunity to look inwards and build their own interpretation of the entire 40-minute sequence.