International light art and girl power will become one when a Durham City cultural venue heads back to the 90s for an exclusive party featuring a display of original Spice Girls outfits.
In the second of its After Dark events, on Friday 6 November, The Light is inviting people to Pop Goes The Prism – a celebration of the colour, sound and spectacle of 90s pop music.
The event is being curated by Liz West, whose artwork, Our Spectral Vision, is part of the Durham County Council venue’s current contemporary art exhibition, Victory Over the Sun: Encounters with Light.
Liz is also the owner of a Guinness World Record-breaking collection of Spice Girls memorabilia. A selection of Liz’s collection will be on display beneath the colourful lights of her artwork at the After Dark event, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Spice Girls’ debut album.
Liz will speak to the enduring impact of the girl band on contemporary culture, the links between her art and her collection, and how the pop cultural aesthetic has shaped artistic practice.
Party-goers will also be treated to a pop music set from DJ Annie FM, themed food and drinks and a chance to view The Light’s exhibitions after hours. And, for an added serving of nostalgia, there will be a 90s bedroom for visitors to explore.
Liz said: “I’m excited to be curating After Dark at The Light, bringing together two things that have always inspired me: the transformative power of light and colour, and the joy, energy and unapologetic pop culture of the 1990s.
“As an artist, I’m fascinated by how light can change the way we experience a space, evoke memories and bring people together. The Spice Girls are such a brilliant part of that cultural landscape for me – their boldness, individuality and message of empowerment feel just as relevant today.
“After Dark is an opportunity to celebrate all of this in a playful, immersive way, inviting audiences to step into a world of colour, nostalgia and shared experiences.”
Among the items that will be on display at the event will be: a pair of Buffalo Tower trainers worn by Mel B (Scary Spice) at the 1998 Brit Awards in London; a two piece rainbow stripe outfit worn by Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice) at the 1997 50th Cannes Film Festival to promote Spiceworld: The Movie; and a blue and pink sequin dress worn by Emma Bunton (Baby Spice) for the USA leg of the Spiceworld Tour in 1998.
Tony Guillan, artistic director of The Light, said: “If you covered your bedroom walls in Smash Hits posters, recorded the top 40 on tape on a Sunday night and had a favourite Spice Girl, Pop Goes The Prism is the event for you. Perhaps you are too young to remember the 90s but feel inspired by the music, fashion and energy of the decade? Either way, we know you are going to love this celebration of the era that brought us so many iconic cultural moments.
“Having the opportunity to work alongside Liz West, whose own art draws inspiration from 90s pop culture, has been such a privilege. It looks set to be a fantastic night.”
After Dark is The Light’s monthly late-night event, combining art, music, performance, food, drinks and unique experience on the first Friday of the month. The first three events are being co-curated by creatives involved in Victory Over the Sun: Encounters with Light. Running until 17 January 2027, the exhibition features spectacular works by international artists who experiment with light in extraordinary ways.
After Dark Volume 2 – Pop Goes The Prism takes place from 7pm to 10pm on Friday 6 November. Tickets are £16 and £12 for students. A valid student ID must be shown.
After Dark Volume 3 – Into The Neon Firelight will follow on Friday 4 December and is being curated by Neon Workshops, the fabricators behind some of the artworks within Victory Over the Sun. The event will feature live glass blowing, a psychedelic folk soundtrack, fire performances, themed drinks and more.
To book tickets for After Dark events and Victory Over the Sun, visit www.thelightdurham.org.uk. To keep up to date with the latest new and events, follow @TheLightDurham on Facebook and Instagram.
