Henge
- 19th May 2026
Artwork Directory
NETWORK
Artwork Images
Description
Design Inspiration
‘Love is in deed, at the root, the product of the firings of neurons and release of hormones’ Julian Baggini.
NETWORK is a large-scale, walk-through inflatable neural network that transforms philosophy, neuroscience, and wellbeing into an immersive light experience.
Originally inspired by Descartes’ mind-body dualism, the work asks a simple but profound question: What if the mind and body could sit down and have an honest conversation?
Engagement – Members of the public wrote intimate letters to their own bodies — “Dear Body, I thank you for… I accept… I promise to…” These raw, personal texts were transformed into a layered, choral soundtrack by the acclaimed music production collective The Broken Orchestra. The voices pulse and breathe through glowing neurons and branching dendrites, creating a living, luminous dialogue you can literally stand inside.
Technical & Production Highlights
Dramatic large-scale inflatable sculpture with integrated lighting and sound
Suitable for indoor and outdoor light festival settings (day-to-night capability)
Highly immersive and photogenic — strong audience engagement and shareability
Proven track record at festivals and heritage venues including Festival of Tomorrow, Light Night Worcester, Selby Abbey solo exhibition, and Deershed Music & Science Festival
Turnkey with full technical rider available — easy to install and programme
Fee includes all install and aftercare costs
Strong crossover appeal for light festivals, science festivals, public art trails, and wellbeing-themed events
NETWORK delivers wonder, introspection, and memorable “wow” moments while sparking meaningful conversations about mental health, self-compassion, and human connection. It consistently draws crowds and media attention, making it an ideal centrepiece or trail highlight.
Producers and festival programmers: I’m actively seeking opportunities across the Light Up the North network and beyond for 2026–2027. Happy to provide video documentation, installation specs, audience feedback, and budget details on request.
Artist
Artist
Gemma Wood
Artist Bio
Gemm Wood is a UK-based artist whose practice merges large-scale sculpture, light, sound, and science communication. Her immersive installations explore themes of connection, embodiment, and the dialogue between mind and body.
Notable works include NETWORK, a walk-through inflatable neural network with an integrated soundtrack by The Broken Orchestra. The piece has been exhibited at Jyvaskyla, Festival of Tomorrow, Light Night Worcester, Light Night Leeds, Selby Abbey, and Deershed Music & Science Festival.
Blending philosophy, neuroscience, and wellbeing, Gemma creates visually spectacular, participatory experiences that invite audiences to reflect on human connection and self-compassion. She is currently developing new inflatable works that further integrate art and science, with a growing interest in AI, VR, and AR applications for public trails.
Notable works include NETWORK, a walk-through inflatable neural network with an integrated soundtrack by The Broken Orchestra. The piece has been exhibited at Jyvaskyla, Festival of Tomorrow, Light Night Worcester, Light Night Leeds, Selby Abbey, and Deershed Music & Science Festival.
Blending philosophy, neuroscience, and wellbeing, Gemma creates visually spectacular, participatory experiences that invite audiences to reflect on human connection and self-compassion. She is currently developing new inflatable works that further integrate art and science, with a growing interest in AI, VR, and AR applications for public trails.
Website
Additional Information
Siting
Indoor and Outdoor
Dimensions
modular inflatable needs at least 100m squared space. Biggest neuron sculpture spans 6m at it's widest and 6m at it's tallest.
Estimated Weight
45kgs
Power
3x 16 amp c-form outdoor plugs
Price Guide
Less than 10k
Location
Previously seen at
Light Night Leeds, Jyvaskyla city of light Finland, Festival of Tomorrow science festival, Light night Worcester, Enlighten Accrington.
Website for listing
Technical Rider
