Harwell Campus is excited to unveil Life, a new work of art by renowned artist Jacques Rival. Standing 4 metres tall on the roundabout outside RAL on Fermi Avenue, this latest installation blends the worlds of art, nanoscale science, and light. Known for his large-scale, interactive works like the IFO (Identified Flying Object) sculpture in London’s King’s Cross, Rival has brought his unique vision to Harwell, creating a piece that captures the imagination with its dynamic use of form and colour.

Life offers a visual experience that changes with the time of day. During daylight, the colourful blown-glass discs catch the sun, casting vibrant reflections that shift with the light. At night, the sculpture transforms as the discs softly glow, creating a serene, almost ethereal atmosphere. Rival’s work invites viewers to pause and reflect on the intersection of art and science, celebrating the unseen beauty that lies at the heart of both.

Rival commented, “With Life, I wanted to capture the magic and mystery of existence at its smallest scale. The interplay between light, colour, and form mirrors the complexity of life itself, reminding us that what we cannot see often holds the greatest beauty and intrigue.”

This piece adds to Harwell’s growing collection of public art, including the Starburst sculpture in the Quad, inspired by research during the Coronavirus Pandemic, Spacescapes, an outdoor exhibition that takes you on a journey through outer space, and a giant spacewoman mural.

Abigail Brown, Arts Development Officer for the Vale of the White Horse District Council, played a part in bringing Life to the campus. She shared her enthusiasm, saying, “It’s truly exciting to see public art of this calibre at Harwell. Art like this connects us with the beauty of the scientific world and fosters a deeper appreciation of both.”

Stuart Grant, CEO of Harwell Campus, said “Harwell is the UK’s leading science and innovation campus and as we grow, we’re determined to make it an inspiring and beautiful environment where creativity and innovation thrive side by side.”