Odyssey

Artist:
Jack Irving
Location:
Tower Festival Headland
Map Ref:
02
Year:
2023
Country:

UK

Odyssey

Introducing Odyssey, the largest installation ever seen in the Blackpool Illuminations display, co-created by international designer Jack Irving in collaboration with a talented team of computer scientists from Lancaster University.

Standing at 11 metres high, the installation comprises six large-scale structures, known as ‘towers’, that are combined with state-of-the-art technology to create an immersive and interactive projection show themed on undiscovered creatures lurking in the depths of the deep sea. There are six towers in total with three varying designs based on sea gods from Greek mythology: Poseidon, Aphrodite, and Amphitrite. Aphrodite, the tallest of the three towers, is an impressive 7 metres wide, and 11 metres high!

Following the interactive element of Odyssey, the display gradually intensifies and culminates in a fierce five-minute battle between the towers, armoured with over 60 powerful lasers and a spine-tingling light show performance.

Step aside and gaze in wonder as the towers go head-to-head in jaw-dropping combat. Which tower will prevail and be crowned Alien of the Seas? All will be revealed when the installation invades Blackpool for the 2023 illuminations period.

FUN FACTS

  • There are over 10,000 lines of code for the interactive elements of Odyssey
  • In excess of 2,500 hours have been spent on developing the code, simulation and testing
  • Each tower contains a Panasonic 20k projector, a raspberry Pi and camera
  • Over 32 tonnes of steel has been used for the skeleton of the towers , weighted down with over 86 tonnes of concrete
  • 2,400 LED nodes and over 3,500 metres of LED lighting has been used in the display

Jack Irving

Artist Jack Irving, who grew up in Blackpool and produced costumes for the Hot Ice show at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, has since gone on to specialise in extravagant, wearable art sculptures and create amazing costume designs for the likes of Lady Gaga.

Through his creative vision and innovative flair, the artist has been one of the driving forces behind the project, making key decisions on the appearance and design of the colossal towers.

The team of computer scientists at Lancaster University, one of the top universities in the UK, have provided the technological expertise required for this mammoth project, adding a new dimension that has never been seen before in the Blackpool Illuminations display.

The impressive installation would not have come to life without the highly skilled and experienced production team at Blackpool Illuminations, combined with monies from the Towns Fund to invest in cutting-edge technology.