Overview

In May 2025, Arc LED was commissioned by Tate Modern, London, to contribute to an ambitious new installation by Northern Sámi artist and author Máret Ánne Sara, created in partnership with Hyundai Motor Company. This project forms part of the renowned Hyundai Commission series, an annual initiative showcasing large-scale, site-specific artworks within Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall.

The Artist and Vision

Máret Ánne Sara is celebrated for her profound engagement with Sámi identity, culture, and heritage. Her installations, Goavve-and-Geabbil, draws upon the natural processes and materials of the Arctic environment to convey themes of resilience, community, and connection to the land.

Lighting Design Challenge

Arc LED was tasked with realising the artist’s vision through a sophisticated lighting scheme that enhanced both the conceptual and visual impact of the installation. The challenge was to replicate natural phenomena using precise gradations of white light and to integrate LED elements seamlessly within the intricate structural design. The scheme also explored the juxtaposition of industrial materials and contemporary lighting technology with the organic qualities of natural materials, creating a dynamic interplay between the artificial and the natural.

For Goavve, standing an impressive 28 metres tall, the structure demanded meticulous planning to ensure seemingly consistent light output across multiple sections. This was managed by using multiple lengths of 360-degree neon with connections hidden behind the hides in the artwork and cables running back to a central point, allowing the LED to operate as one.

For Geabbil, multiple LED points were intertwined throughout the organic framework, creating subtle highlights that interacted dynamically with the sculpture’s materials.

Technical Execution

To achieve a uniform and immersive lighting effect, Arc LED used 360-degree 13mm diameter neon lighting encases in bespoke 18mm acrylic tubing, ensuring visibility from every vantage point within the vast Turbine Hall. The installation was powered by nine 400W drivers, delivering the intensity required to maintain presence within the immense architectural scale of Tate Modern’s entrance space.

The project required close collaboration between Tate’s project management and technical teams, and Arc LED’s lighting specialists. Every component, from power distribution to fixture placement, was designed to support the aesthetic intent while meeting rigorous performance and safety standards.

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Outcome and Exhibition

Goavve-Geabbil opened to the public on 15/10/2025 and will remain on display until April 2026. The lighting design successfully complements Máret Ánne Sara’s vision, contributing to an evocative and immersive viewer experience.

Now in its tenth year, the Hyundai Commission continues to foster innovative collaborations between global artists and Tate Modern, with the partnership confirmed to run until at least 2036. Arc LED is proud to have contributed to this landmark installation and hopes to support future commissions.