In Out of this World, Heather Phillipson plots a sequence of sonic and atmospheric conditions that conjure airspace, aerospace and outer space. Responding to the ghostly communications of radar, sonar and unidentified aerial phenomena, Phillipson fills Glynn Vivian’s galleries with tuned, automated noises and dematerialised images that float and pulsate, creating what she calls ‘a visual and acoustic fog’. This fog is, like some aspects of warfare, hallucinatory – generating apparitions, premonitions and phantasmagoria. Through the use of sound as a force that influences us both physically and emotionally, Out of this World maps a vibratory field that acts almost meteorologically.

Out of this World is part of the IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund, a national partnership programme of over 20 artist commissions inspired by the heritage of conflict. Led by Imperial War Museums, the IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund was created following the success of 14-18 NOW, the official UK arts programme for the First World War centenary. The £2.5 million commissioning programme has been made possible thanks to the success of Peter Jackson’s critically acclaimed film They Shall Not Grow Old, co-commissioned by IWM and 14-18 NOW.

Heather Phillipson said, "In a way, all of my work engages with conflict, from the mute, interior and microcosmic, to the raging, global and macrocosmic. It is a gift to be invited to think through these ideas with the Imperial War Museum, especially at this agonising moment of conflict, and to do so in Wales, land of myth and mystery."

Rebecca Newell, Head of Art at Imperial War Museums, said: “Out of this World sparks the imagination through unexpected sights and sounds, engaging abstractly with visceral experiences of conflict and, ultimately, hope. Through the IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund, Imperial War Museums’ national arts commissioning programme, we look forward to presenting with Glynn Vivian this rich, atmospheric new work from Heather Philipson.”

Karen MacKinnon, Glynn Vivian Curator, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Heather Phillipson. Her practice is often a collision of radically different materials and ways of working. Surreal, poetic constellations, engaging with urgent and radical ideas of our time. This project will create new narratives and conversations in ways that only artists can and provide amazing opportunities for audiences to engage and participate in a unique and immersive artwork.

“The IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund thoroughly supports and allows creativity and ambition to flourish, creating long-lasting local and national networks and legacies and reminding us all of the importance and value of art and culture in these turbulent times.”

Alongside this new commission, the artist has selected works from Imperial War Museums' (IWM) Collection and Cyfarthfa Castle Gallery and Museum. There will also be a display from the Glynn Vivian collection.

Heather Phillipson: Out of this World is accompanied by a public, learning and schools programme, including creative community workshops, gallery trails, late night events, and artist and industry talks. For more information, sign up to the Glynn Vivian mailing list.

Heather Phillipson: Out of this World is an IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund commission in partnership with Glynn Vivian Art Gallery.

Heather Phillipson: Out of this World

Exhibition dates, 12 July 2024 – 26 January 2025

Glynn Vivian at Night, Thursday 11 July 5:30pm – 8:00pm