A free exhibition and two huge murals become the newest additions to the Wembley Park Art Trail as the Summer of Swift takes over the north London cultural district this month. Following Taylor Swift’s outstanding performances at Wembley Stadium in June, the international icon is returning August 15th, 16th, 17th, 19th, and 20th, making eight dates at the legendary stadium: more than any other venue on the European leg of her tour.
Just 12 minutes from central London, the Wembley Park Art Trail is one of the capital’s most impressive collections of free art with permanent works by renowned artists such as Claire Luxton, Jason Bruges and Mr Doodle, and an ever-changing temporary curation. Visitors can download the free CityTrotter app, follow the self-guided trail and explore 26 incredible works.
‘Taylor on Tour: A Photo Exhibition’ is a unique open-air and completely free photo exhibition at Wembley Park’s Outdoor Photo Gallery, celebrating the monumental success of Swift’s record-breaking Eras tour, open until September.
From intimate moments that showcase Swift’s magnetic stage presence to the elaborate costumes and innovative set designs that have become symbols of the singer’s artistic vision, 17 large-format photographs showcase her talent as a live performer, inviting fans to re-live their favourite moments.
All the images are from professional Getty press photographers, who have been following Swift and her Eras tour to almost 20 countries across North America, Latin America, Asia, Australia and Europe. It also includes photographs from Taylor Swift’s 2018 Reputation Tour, offering a comprehensive view of the artist’s evolving live performances and the global impact of her music.
Wembley Park’s famous Spanish Steps – re-named the ‘Swiftie Steps’ in her honour – have been transformed with a vibrant, eight-foot anamorphic portrait of the global icon. Titled ‘Auras’, the triptych is by Frank Styles, a spray-paint artist from Sunderland. Styles worked with the local Swift fan community to choose special ‘Easter Eggs’ to include in the portrait—cryptic symbols that resonate with Swift’s penchant for embedding hidden messages in her music. It was unveiled by London Mayor Sadiq Khan and is already attracting large numbers of fans keen to pose for a swift selfie.
Underneath the steps, a giant tapestry of lyrics and imagery inspired by Swift’s music unfurls. “…Ready For It?” is a six-meter-square mural sprayed directly onto concrete, conceived and created in collaboration by HUMOR x Murwalls, a Tunbridge Wells based street artist. The mural features a stunning, life-like portrait of the artist, interwoven with lyrical fragments inspired by Swift’s Songbook and paying homage to her songwriting talent.
Claudio Giambrone, Curator of Wembley Park Art Trail, said:
“We’re inviting everyone to enjoy the Summer of Swift here at Wembley Park. The ‘Taylor On Tour’ exhibition is a testament to Taylor Swift’s exceptional artistry as a live performer, captured through the lens of some of the world’s most talented concert photographers. Along with the two stunning murals, this unique collection of artworks highlight Swift’s record-breaking achievements, her connection with fans and magnetic stage presence. Swifties and newcomers alike can witness Taylor Swift’s creativity at Wembley Park, home of some of the most iconic music moments in history, and Taylor’s home-from-home this summer!”
Wembley Park’s Outdoor Gallery is known for showcasing cutting-edge photography and public art completely for free. It has previously featured international names including Stephanie Rausser, Jennifer Latour, and Christelle Boulé, and hosted impactful exhibitions such as ‘Inside Out Project’ by acclaimed street artist JR and Ukrainian curator Ira Lupu’s ‘Visions of Home’, sparking global conversations on social issues and the changing concept of home.