Things to see in London this Summer: Dalston House

Dalston HouseHonestly, sometimes I wonder why anyone would live anywhere other than Hackney – every day I hear of anther interesting bar, shop or event, happening in the borough and last week it was all about the opening of Dalston House.

Well known for his captivating, three-dimensional visual illusions, Argentine artist Leandro Erlich was commissioned by the Barbican to create an installation on a vacant plot of land on Ashwin Street E8. Erlich has designed the façade of a terraced house to resemble the houses that previously stood on the block. The replica lies horizontally on the ground with mirrors positioned overhead. The replica lies horizontally on the ground with mirrors positioned overhead. The reflections of visitors give the impression they are standing on, suspended from, or scaling the building vertically. It’s both weird and totally captivating and is inspiring people to invent all kinds of crazy things to do on it!

This week local resident Rodolpho Ribeiro, 23, chose to use the installation as a memorable way to ask his girlfriend to marry him. He blindfolded and led her to the installation, where he proposed and presented her with a bouquet of flowers – luckily she said yes!

You can go along and view the installation, but if you fancy taking part, allow lots of time as there are queues. There will also be talks, workshops and live performances, exploring themes related to the project, including architectural history, urbanism, and perception – which will be developed in collaboration with local organisations.

Dalston House
26 June 2013 – 4 August 2013
1-7 Ashwin Street, Dalston, E8 3DL

 

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