Visitors to a new art installation in east London appear to defy death and gravity as they hang off the side of a 19th-century town house.
Though they seem to lean nonchalantly against window ledges and walls or even do a handstand on a window sill, they are in fact flat on the ground with a mirrored surface positioned overhead at a 45 degree angle to produce the heart-stopping effect.
The house is the work of the Argentinian artist Leandro Erlich, and was commissioned by the Barbican Centre. It is installed outdoors in Ashwin Street, Hackney, on a plot that has remained largely vacant since the Second World War.
Jenny Lawson, 32, from Hackney, said: “It is brilliant to step off the street and into such a crazy idea. I feel I could spend all day here, building up a portfolio of pictures that look like I am an acrobat or an action hero.”
It is also delighting younger visitors. Miles Mathsion, 11, from Homerton, said: “You can do whatever you want. When I heard about it, I couldn’t imagine what it was going to be like.
“But it is fun to watch yourself jumping from one window ledge to another.” Eight-year-old Asa Kelsey added: “I think everyone should come.”
Curator Lydia Yee hopes the work will match the successes of another interactive hit at the Barbican, the Rain Room, at the Curve Gallery.
The work enabled the public to walk through the rain without getting wet as thousands of sensors tracked their movements, blocking the drops.
Ms Yee said: “This is another very interactive piece. It’s free, so people might have to queue, but hopefully not for long. There will be performances on the structure later in the summer — it’s all about engaging with the local community.”
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Erlich, 40, who has displayed similar pieces in Paris, Belgium, Japan and Buenos Aires, said: “London is the best place in the world for artists who are pushing boundaries.”
Visitors are being encouraged to upload their pictures to Twitter and Facebook with the hashtag #dalstonhouse. The installation will open on Wednesday until August 4. Visit barbican.org.uk/dalstonhouse.
