Nature's aerial acrobats inspire new sculpture

ARCHITECTS let their imaginations take flight to help a nature site celebrate the shimmering world of dragonflies.

- By TONY HENDERSON

Iridescence by Tony Broomhead and Nicky Kirk, installed on a reservoir at WWT Washington Wetland Centre, combines iridescent floating sculptures composed of winglike forms that mimic the beating rhythm of dragonfly wings.

The installation was selected as the winning commission from an open call by WWT, the Wearside charity for wetlands and wildlife, which sought artistic proposals inspired by the beauty of dragonflies that live in wetlands.

WWT Washington is home to 20 species of dragonflies and damselflies during the summer, and the new installation is a highlight of this summer's inaugural WWT Dragonfly Festival, running until September 22.

It also forms part of the centre's 50th birthday celebrations.

As visitors move past the installation, the iridescent wings capture the light and vibrate with the natural movement of the wind, with audio created by artists Tony and Nicky adding to the experience.