An eight-metre tall floating lighthouse is on its way to Hull next week.
Oracle will form part of Navigate, a three-day light and sound event taking place from Thursday 30 January until Saturday 1 February.
The incredible structure has been designed and built by Kazimier Productions in Liverpool, where it has been getting its final touches before it heads across the Pennines for Navigate.
Watch the video below to see the first glimpses of Oracle:
The lighthouse, or weather station, will float in Prince’s Dock and show the superstitions and importance placed on the weather and what it holds for the fortunes of those venturing to sea.
Linked wirelessly to meteorological sensors, the Oracle takes real-time readings of wind speed, humidity, pressure, temperature and rain. Each of these parameters then creates a dynamic weather visualisation played onto the tower using sound, light and lasers.
Once every 15 minutes, the Oracle contacts the Met office and displays a weather omen foretelling predictions for the forthcoming hour with a dynamic audio visual performance.
Michael Lill, Kazimier artistic director, said: “Oracle is essentially a communication device. Part lighthouse, part navigational instrument and part fortune teller.
“Due to the inherent risk of sea travel, maritime history is rich with folklore and superstition, all of which is inextricably linked to the weather. With Oracle we wanted to create a piece that brought the functional and fantastical together. The tower really does predict tomorrow’s weather while at the same time it gives the viewer a reading of their own fortune.”
Navigate, featuring mesmerising sculptures and outdoor exhibits from the acclaimed Kazimier team, will celebrate the start of the Hull: Yorkshire’s Maritime City project.
Councillor Dave Craker, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “Hull has a proud cultural heritage and a strong artistic identity, catapulted by the success of Hull City of Culture 2017. Art and culture will play an important part in Hull: Yorkshire’s Maritime City and we are already working with artists to discuss how their talents and creativity can be incorporated into other elements of the project.
“This incredible installation from Kazimier is a great example of how art and culture can play an important role in the exciting regeneration and future of our city.”
