Island of Foam

German artist Stephanie Lüning headed to Liverpool for the very first time this August to present her unique, multi coloured and mesmerising artwork entitled ‘Island of Foam’.

Taking place at the iconic Liverpool ONE Sugar House Steps, opposite John Lewis, audiences were welcomed to join Stephanie to delve deeper into the fascinating world of foam as she skilfully interwove the history of the urban landscape with a personal story to create a fascinating visual narrative.

Crowds delighted as the foam turned into a live art installation – growing and reproducing as it changed the face of the architectural features of the public space it inhabited before finally disappearing.

‘Island of Foam’ formed part of ‘The Last Day of Summer’ waterfront festival, organised by Liverpool BID Company, Culture Liverpool, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool and Peel.

Now that the event has passed, we really want to hear your thoughts on how it went so we can continue to learn and improve. You can complete the online survey here, and as an added bonus you could be in with a chance of winning a £50 gift card courtesy of Liverpool ONE. Complete the survey before the closing date of Saturday 21 September 2024.

#IslandOfFoam #LastDaysOfSummer

Island of Foam in Pictures

Technical Information Regarding Foam Exhibits

A foam machine connected to different water tanks (filled with different coloured foam fluid) produces a coloured mountain of foam consisting of water, food colouring and biodegradable washing up liquid.

This mound varies in shape and size and new foam is constantly being generated and added. The machine is operated by the artist herself. Using a mixer, the artist also utilises, mixes or switches the different colours of the liquid foam on and off. With the aid of these coloured foam production ‘settings’, Stephanie Lüning takes over a vast range of public places, making use of representational objects and architecture; temporarily leaving her mark on them and transforming these places into a spatially ephemeral painting.

In this way, she enables the viewer to experience new angles of perception and appeals to those who may have previously been indifferent to the conventional setup of gallery and museum exhibitions.

As part of the live ‘Island of Foam’ artwork experience please be advised of the following:

• Sugar House Steps will be closed between 8am – 9pm on Saturday 31 August 2024.
• You must not access Sugar House Steps between 8am – 9pm.
• Skin and clothing will become stained when you interact with the foam. The foam is 94% water, 5% food colouring and 1% soap.
• The colouring on clothes will wash out on a 40 degree cycle using normal clothes detergent.
• Children / young people must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
• To prevent slipping, no running is allowed.
• Pets should be kept away from the foam action.
• Do not eat or taste the foam. If foam gets in your eyes or mouth, rinse with clean water and seek medical attention if necessary.
• The event organisers and Liverpool ONE shall not be held responsible for any damage or injury.

*Image credits: Guy Corbishley | Robert Vanis