Sunset, Sunrise, Sunset Installation

Gazing upon Alexandre da Cunha’s “Sunset, Sunrise, Sunset,” one might initially perceive a simple display of color. But look closer. This installation at Battersea Power Station Underground station is far more than meets the eye. Commissioned by Art on the Underground, “Sunset, Sunrise, Sunset” debuted on September 20, 2021. It’s a kinetic sculpture, a dynamic dance of light and color reflecting the ceaseless rhythm of our days. Two enormous friezes, each stretching over 60 meters, confront each other across the ticket hall. Constructed from repurposed rotating billboards, a relic of advertising’s past, the friezes mimic the relentless cycle of sunrise and sunset. Da Cunha drew inspiration from Battersea Power Station’s old control room. He reimagined the vertical bars that once regulated the city’s electricity flow into a visual representation of time’s passage. “Sunset, Sunrise, Sunset” speaks to the cyclical nature of our lives, the everyday routines, and the grand sweep of eternity. The friezes are composed of three color faces, gradually shifting hues along their length. These colors capture the vibrant palette of London’s sunrises and sunsets. As the panels rotate, seemingly at random, they cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the station. This constant shift creates the illusion of a massive window showcasing an ever-changing sky. The installation’s title, “Sunset, Sunrise, Sunset,” refers to the three faces of the vertical panels and their continuous rotation. Over 3,500 individual color panels contribute to the artwork’s dynamic environment. Da Cunha himself described the work as a deliberate counterpoint to our digitally driven lives. While color and landscape are central, the installation focuses on movement, cycle, and repetition. The analog nature of the rotating panels offers a respite from the ubiquitous screens that dominate our attention. It’s a moment of reflection, a chance to appreciate the simple beauty of changing light and color. So, next time you pass through Battersea Power Station station, take a moment to experience “Sunset, Sunrise, Sunset.” Don’t just see the colors; feel the rhythm of the city, the pulse of the day, and the vastness of time reflected in this mesmerizing artwork.