Shiny Gold by Nelly Ben Hayoun @ Gaite Lyrique, Paris

La Gaîté Lyrique is an artistic and cultural centre in the heart of Paris known for its understanding of the digital age. Within its exhibition space, the aim is to celebrate post-internet cultures and share creative experiences. As part of the tenth anniversary celebrations of La Gaîté Lyrique, Nelly Ben Hayoun Studios was commissioned to create an extravagant experiential installation called ‘Shiny Gold’ which would connect aspects of the natural world with the energy source of the sun.

London-based French visual artist Nelly Ben Hayoun was the ideal choice with her reputation for spectacular aesthetics and scientific knowledge. Nelly specialises in the invention of imaginary worlds that draw on her eclectic artistic and scientific interests. Her combination of creativity and playfulness, along with her explosive creativity, translates the complex into immersive experiences accessible to all. Her vivid, imaginary worlds provide visitors with a unique and memorable experience of science and nature within an artistic framework.

The powerful creative narrative of the ‘Shiny Gold’ theme needed to tell of the connectivity between the monumental and the fragile, the animal, vegetable and mineral components of the beautiful world in which we live.

Having worked closely with Nelly Ben Hayoun Studios on the Tour de Moon, Glow Inflatables Ltd were delighted to be asked to collaborate once again with Ben Hayoun on this unique and visually stunning project.

Along with Ben Hayoun’s design team, Glow worked closely with La Gaîté Lyrique to create a series of inflatable installations which would make maximum impact within the exhibition space. These would include surreal upscaled body parts, free-standing mushrooms and deep-sea fish as well as an immersive pond of golden balls which would push the common boundaries of a traditional ball pit experience. The concept of scale would be explored to highlight our microscopic place in the universe.

Designs for the myriad of inflatable sculptures were initially explored on a mood board. Nelly Ben Hayoun selected a range of unusual textures and clippings inspired from as far-reaching worlds as under the sea and the surface of the sun. From this, the team at Glow worked hard to make the vision a reality whilst ensuring that the installations were both beautiful and robust enough for visitors to engage with.

On entering the exhibition space, visitors were to be welcomed by a giant pair of hands belonging to French scientific legend Marie Curie. Not only would the designer need to create an authentic skin-like texture but symbolically show how these hands were blemished and scarred by the handling of radium, including the amputation of a finger.

Cleverly supported, free-standing giant mushrooms were constructed with realistic fleshy gills and properties invisible to the naked eye. Enormous octopus-like tentacles threaded their way in sumptuous curves, drawing the visitors into the depths of the Shiny Gold domain. A larger-than-life golden and organic brown intestine was constructed without the need for a constantly running fan. Visitors were able to playfully slide through the oversized internal organ as if they were being digested.

All the inflatables were made using a high-quality materials with appropriate printed bespoke textures and maximum impact finishes. All of the custom inflatable artworks were made to withstand plenty of physical interaction and exploration from visitors as they threw themselves into the spirit of the Shiny Gold universe.

The whole of the interior of the exhibition hall was coated with reflective gold which not only made the installation feel more spacious but created a mirror-like confusion in perspective. The perfect gold reflections also created a feeling of fluidity like a tranquil sea at sunset.

Once they had removed their shoes (and inhibitions), visitors of all ages played amongst the giant inflatable structures supplied by the team at Glow. As they circulated from one entity to another, visitors felt as if they were exploring the interior of a surreal golden body from intestinal microbes to natural radioactivity. The golden theme linked the beauty and power of the sun from whence all our energy originates with the high value and regard with which we need to appreciate all things within the natural world, both large and small.

La Gaîté Lyrique described the installation as a “dizzying jumble … an awakening of the conscience and sun-soaked bliss.” Visitors to the exhibition were wowed by their experience. On social media, feedback included comments such as “Mind-blowing!” “Spectacular!” and “So much fun!”

Once again, Glow Inflatables Ltd were thrilled to be chosen to collaborate on this exciting and unique project with Nelly Ben Hayoun Studios for La Gaîté Lyrique. The exhibition runs from 20th May until 6th November 2022.