Covent Garden launches its first and largest public art installation since 2021, ‘Little Cloud World’ by Los Angeles-based artists Samuel Borkson & Arturo Sandoval III – FriendsWithYou.
‘Little Cloud World’ takes over the iconic Market Building from August until October. The London-first commission from FriendsWithYou features over 40 inflatable ‘floating’ clouds, creating a ‘portal into a happy place’ where visitors from across the globe are invited to explore, spread kindness and feel compassion for people and the planet. The launch of ‘Little Cloud World’ kicks off a programme of summer activity taking place throughout the Covent Garden neighbourhood. Home to over 200 stores and 200 bars, restaurants and cafes, visitors will discover a range of joyful events and experiences to enjoy alongside the installation.
Los Angeles-based artist duo ‘FriendsWithYou’, Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III, unveil their first UK large-scale installation entitled “Little Cloud World”, in Covent Garden’s Market Building. Over 40 floating clouds, each measuring over 4ft in height, fill the South Hall, creating a ‘portal into a happy place’. Photo credit : David Parry/PA Media Assignments
This installation marks the latest cultural commission in the historic Market Building and will continue to support Covent Garden’s heritage as a pioneer of public realm arts and culture in London London’s home of culture, Covent Garden, launches its summer art commission for 2024. A staggering series of large-scale installations with an uplifting message, created by Los Angeles-based artists, Samuel Borkson & Arturo Sandoval III – FriendsWithYou. Launching to the public from 1 st August and free for all to see until October 2024.
“Little Cloud World’ transforms Covent Garden with a number of giant cloud sculptures. A joyful smile awaits visitors as they enter Covent Garden’s historic Market Building, as 40 ‘floating’ clouds, each measuring over 4ft in height, fill the South Hall. From there, visitors are invited on a ‘happy trail’ around the estate, to discover the rest ‘Little Cloud World’ by FriendsWithYou takes over Covent Garden’s Market Building.
Covent Garden unveils their latest large-scale public art installation in the historic Market Building, “Little Cloud World”, by LA Artists, FriendsWithYou
The message of the artwork is simple; one that aims to spread kindness and care for people and the planet, helping to unify and bring people together. FriendsWithYou commented: “Covent Garden is one of the most iconic areas in London, recognized around the world. We were drawn to the creativity of the area and Covent Garden’s support of independent artists and are delighted to be working with them on our first London commission. With the installation, we’re inviting visitors to play, encouraging them to dream of a better more friendly world that we will create together. We hope it to become a beacon of love and compassion, and we can’t wait to see how people interact and engage with it.”
“Little Cloud World”, a new large-scale installation by Los Angeles-based artist duo ‘FriendsWithYou’, is unveiled in Covent Garden’s Market Building. Over 40 floating clouds, each measuring over 4ft in height, fill the South Hall, creating a ‘portal into a happy place’. Photo credit : David Parry/PA Media Assignments
FriendsWithYou is the collaborative art project of artists Samuel Borkson & Arturo Sandoval III, working to create modern modes of spirituality with the mission of having a positive impact on the world. Little Cloud has been developed over the last 20 years as a symbol of peace and connectivity, with a calm joy that can be felt universally. Little Cloud has been featured in large-scale public art projects around the world, such as Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York City and the West Kowloon Art Park commissioned by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Further commissions throughout the U.S. include installations in Miami, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Aspen.
“Little Cloud World”, a new large-scale installation by Los Angeles-based artist duo ‘FriendsWithYou’, is unveiled in Covent Garden’s Market Building. Over 40 floating clouds, each measuring over 4ft in height, fill the South Hall, creating a ‘portal into a happy place’. Photo credit : David Parry/PA Media Assignments
In addition to being featured in fine art exhibitions at galleries and museums worldwide, Little Cloud has also been turned into limited edition art objects in collaboration with international brands. The dynamic duo has also worked with Pharrell on many major projects. The launch of “Little Cloud World” kicks off an unrivaled programme of seasonal activity taking place throughout the Covent Garden neighbourhood. Home to over 200 stores and 200 bars, restaurants and cafes, visitors will discover a range of joyful events and experiences across the summer.
“Little Cloud World”, a new large-scale installation by Los Angeles-based artist duo ‘FriendsWithYou’, is unveiled in Covent Garden’s Market Building. Over 40 floating clouds, each measuring over 4ft in height, fill the South Hall, creating a ‘portal into a happy place’. Photo credit : David Parry/PA Media Assignments
Visitors can enjoy the Olympic Games screened live at the exclusive Olympic Terrace on the East Piazza, where guests are welcomed to cheer on Team GB whilst sipping on a chilled glass of Pol Roger, immersed in the sporting action, live on the big screen. From the historic Market Building and world-famous Piazza to the bustling cobbled streets of Seven Dials, the unrivaled summer series of immersive pop-ups and programming will further bring to life the creativity and culture of Europe’s most popular destination of shopping, dining and discovery.
“Little Cloud World”, a new large-scale installation by Los Angeles-based artist duo ‘FriendsWithYou’, is unveiled in Covent Garden’s Market Building. Over 40 floating clouds, each measuring over 4ft in height, fill the South Hall, creating a ‘portal into a happy place’. Photo credit : David Parry/PA Media Assignments
Whether spending the day with family, friends or taking some time for yourself, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Covent Garden. Visitors can plan a full day of fun when in the neighbourhood this summer, kick-start the day at the newly opened EL&N Deli & Bakery in the Market Building, or head to one of the many restaurants and cafes in the area for breakfast and brunch bites including The Breakfast Club, Ladurée, The Ivy Market Grill, and WatchHouse Coffee.
Covent Garden unveils their latest large-scale public art installation in the historic Market Building, “Little Cloud World”, by LA Artists, FriendsWithYou
After admiring the Little Clouds in all their sky-high glory, people can enjoy some of the world class shopping on offer including the recently launched Axel Arigato, which opened its flagship store on Earlham Street, alongside the likes of cult swimwear brand Hunza G on Monmouth Street, Glossier’s flagship town house on King Street and the recently opened UK Beauty favourite Elemis on Monmouth Street.
Los Angeles-based artist duo ‘FriendsWithYou’, Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III, unveil their first UK large-scale installation entitled “Little Cloud World”, in Covent Garden’s Market Building. Over 40 floating clouds, each measuring over 4ft in height, fill the South Hall, creating a ‘portal into a happy place’. Photo credit : David Parry/PA Media Assignments
For fun with all the family, people can enjoy summer holiday workshops at the London Transport Museum, child friendly back stage tours at The Royal Opera House or enjoy a memorable performance at one of the many neighboring West End theatres. Your day can end with dinner and drinks alfresco at one of over 75 restaurants and bars with iconic terrace and balcony views including the recently launched HENRI by Jackson Boxer, SUSHISAMBA, La Goccia, The Petersham, The Barbary and VyTA.
Covent Garden unveils their latest large-scale public art installation in the historic Market Building, “Little Cloud World”, by LA Artists, FriendsWithYou
FriendsWithYou follows previous popular public realm commissions including Alex Chinneck, Jeff Koons, Damien
Hirst and Paul Smith. This latest public art offering from Covent Garden continues to cement the destination as
one of the most iconic in London and around the world. Michelle McGrath, Executive Director, Shaftesbury Capital, commented: “We are proud of our cultural heritage at Covent Garden, and our ongoing partnerships with the most exciting trailblazers from the creative world enable us to continuously celebrate this story, whilst championing the positive impact art can have on our iconic destinations as well as our well-being. With “Little Cloud World”, our aim is to put a smile on the faces of those who visit and enhance their experience of the neighbourhood.”
For this bespoke summer installation, Covent Garden has partnered with Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), a charity who exist to change the devastating rates of suicide in the UK. The charity offers life-saving services, tools and guides; provoking national conversation and bringing people together to show that life is always worth living. Throughout the summer, there will be multiple donation stations and helpful information on CALM. Retailers and restaurants across Covent Garden will also be offering items with proceeds going to the charity.
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