If you're suffering from an attack of the winter blues, get a free hit of light therapy at Islington art gallery Parasol Unit with their Parasolstice - Winter Light series, which opened earlier this week.
American artist James Yamada has created a light sculpture called The summer shelter retreats darkly among the trees, the first in a series of light sculptures which will light up the gallery's outdoor space in the winter months.
Visit, and you'll be encouraged to sit under the sculpture and enjoy the health benefits of being exposed to bright light. Integrated into the aluminium sculpture are light elements at something called 10,000 lux, the sunlight-mimicking intensity commonly used in light therapy to treat seasonal affective disorder.
Yamada has a reputation for creating interesting encounters between technology and the natural world. In this case, we like the idea of being the nature bit. Art that makes you happier and healthier? Sounds a long way from anything Mr Hirst has ever come up with.
James Yamada: The summer shelter retreats darkly among the trees is part of Parasolstice – Winter Light 2011 at Parasol Unit, 14 Wharf Road, London, N1 7RW until 18 March 2012. Entrance is free. On the first Thursday of each month (ie next week), the gallery is open until 9pm.
