Client
North of Tyne Combined Authority
Location
Newcastle University Quadrangle
Client
North of Tyne Combined Authority
Location
Newcastle University Quadrangle
Project Details
A Celebration of Northern Identity
Hyem is an expansive 52-meter-long floor projection and multi-channel sound installation, created by NOVAK in collaboration with designers Ash Willerton, Erin McGrath, Hazel Dunn, Jimmy Turrell, and composer and sound artist Ed Carter. Presented as part of the North of the Tyne, Under the Stars event, this immersive artwork transformed the historic Old Quadrangle at Newcastle University’s city campus into a vibrant and sensory-rich experience.
Project Details
A Celebration of Northern Identity
Hyem is an expansive 52-meter-long floor projection and multi-channel sound installation, created by NOVAK in collaboration with designers Ash Willerton, Erin McGrath, Hazel Dunn, Jimmy Turrell, and composer and sound artist Ed Carter. Presented as part of the North of the Tyne, Under the Stars event, this immersive artwork transformed the historic Old Quadrangle at Newcastle University’s city campus into a vibrant and sensory-rich experience.
The Brief
Capturing the Spirit of the North
The North of Tyne, Under the Stars event was a tribute to everything that lies “…South of Scotia and North of the Tyne…”—a celebration of Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, and Northumberland. As a centerpiece to the event, NOVAK was commissioned to conceive and create a large-scale artwork for Newcastle’s public realm—an immersive piece that would embody the rich culture and distinct identity of this dynamic region.
The Brief
Capturing the Spirit of the North
The North of Tyne, Under the Stars event was a tribute to everything that lies “…South of Scotia and North of the Tyne…”—a celebration of Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, and Northumberland. As a centerpiece to the event, NOVAK was commissioned to conceive and create a large-scale artwork for Newcastle’s public realm—an immersive piece that would embody the rich culture and distinct identity of this dynamic region.
Our Response
An Eclectic Tapestry of Sight and Sound
The North of Tyne region boasts a rich and distinctive identity, shaped by a diverse community and a vibrant cultural landscape. To capture these unique qualities and showcase the region’s artistic breadth, NOVAK assembled a collective of designers and artists—each deeply connected to the area yet distinguished by their individual styles and thematic perspectives. The result, Hyem, was a multi-layered installation that interwove personal and collective narratives, celebrating the region’s culture and identity through striking imagery and evocative soundscapes. These elements seamlessly converged into a breathtaking audiovisual projection, illuminating the full expanse of Newcastle University’s iconic Old Quadrangle.
Our Response
An Eclectic Tapestry of Sight and Sound
The North of Tyne region boasts a rich and distinctive identity, shaped by a diverse community and a vibrant cultural landscape. To capture these unique qualities and showcase the region’s artistic breadth, NOVAK assembled a collective of designers and artists—each deeply connected to the area yet distinguished by their individual styles and thematic perspectives. The result, Hyem, was a multi-layered installation that interwove personal and collective narratives, celebrating the region’s culture and identity through striking imagery and evocative soundscapes. These elements seamlessly converged into a breathtaking audiovisual projection, illuminating the full expanse of Newcastle University’s iconic Old Quadrangle.
Credits
Direction, design and animation by NOVAK.
Featuring designs by:
Erin McGrath
Hazel Dunn
Jimmy Turrell
Music and sound design by: Ed Carter
Featuring:
Faye MacCalman – Vocals and tenor saxophone
Chrissie Slater – Viola
Ednie Wilson – Northumbrian smallpipes
North Of The Tyne, Under The Stars produced by Pinwheel and DAT Events and commissioned by the North of Tyne Combined Authority.
Video technology by Graymatter Video
Sound and Lighting by Axiom
Structures by IPS
Credits
Direction, design and animation by NOVAK.
Featuring designs by:
Erin McGrath
Hazel Dunn
Jimmy Turrell
Music and sound design by: Ed Carter
Featuring:
Faye MacCalman – Vocals and tenor saxophone
Chrissie Slater – Viola
Ednie Wilson – Northumbrian smallpipes
North Of The Tyne, Under The Stars produced by Pinwheel and DAT Events and commissioned by the North of Tyne Combined Authority.
Video technology by Graymatter Video
Sound and Lighting by Axiom
Structures by IPS
Other projects
Performance and Theatre
The Paddington Bear Experience
Immersive Visitor Attraction, London
Performance and Theatre
The Paddington Bear Experience
Immersive Visitor Attraction, London
Installation and Exhibition
The Book of Kells Experience
Digital Exhibition, Trinity College Dublin
Installation and Exhibition
The Book of Kells Experience
Digital Exhibition, Trinity College Dublin