Stuart Semple: Happy Cloud

Andrew Anderson

11 March 2017 Entrance is free

Nothing has more impact on your mood than the environment. In a dark, dingy room on a grey and rainy day? Chances are you’re not feeling too chipper. In a bright, sunny space at the height of spring? There’s probably a smile on your face.

Another thing that should make you smile is the fact that Stuart Semple’s art installation Happy Cloud is coming to Manchester this March as part of SICK! Festival. Happy Cloud sees Semple create thousands of floating smiley faces from soap helium and vegetable dye that will then beam down from outside the Manchester Art Gallery, The Whitworth, Manchester Museum and Manchester Royal Infirmary.

But should we be happy just because we see a smiling face? In a world where the terror of Trump, the worry of global warming and the clashes of different cultures hang over us at all times, perhaps not. And that’s what makes this installation so successful: by presenting these fake smiling faces it makes you ask yourself ‘Am I happy? And if not, why not?’

The exhibition was originally presented outside the Tate Modern just when the economy was going down the toilet and caused quite a stir, juxtaposing itself perfectly with those troubles. As we head in 2017 with all its problems and perplexities, Happy Cloud couldn’t be returning at a more pertinent time.

11 March 2017 Entrance is free

Where to go near Stuart Semple: Happy Cloud

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Museum
Blue Planet Aquarium

Blue Planet Aquarium is home to animals from all around the world, one of the UK’s largest collections of sharks and a 71-metre underwater tunnel to see them from!

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Liverpool
International Inn

A pleasant and affordable place to stay in Liverpool, International Inn is hidden away in a quiet street but still close to everything you need.

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Liverpool
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Kabannas Liverpool

Kabannas Liverpool offers a choice of comfortable rooms, from private doubles to shared options to suit all needs and group sizes.

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City Centre
Hotel
The Liner Hotel

The Liner Hotel offers accommodation in style, with comfort, luxury and a seasonal menu in a central Liverpool location.

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City Centre
Restaurant
The Oracle

The Oracle is a mysteriously classy cocktail bar with magicians performing tricks at your table, right in the centre of Liverpool

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Cinema
Plaza Community Cinema

The Plaza Community Cinema is truly a unique community resource with big releases, special screenings and affordable tickets.

What's on: Exhibitions

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