What are the new flags around Piccadilly Circus? Art of London unveils new colourful flags

A collection of colourful flags covered in geometric shapes have been unveiled around Piccadilly.

The flags, which have been created by London-based artist Rana Begum, are a collaboration between award-winning cultural initiative Art of London and London’s Royal Academy of Arts. They have been rolled out to mark the start of Art of London’s upcoming summer season, which is titled The Art of Entertainment.

The flags will decorate the West End until the end of August, and are covered in tiled mosaic patterns which have been inspired by Islamic art and architecture.

“It’s a privilege to work on this project and bring the colour and vibrancy of art out of galleries, and into Piccadilly,” said Begum. “The theme ‘Art of Entertainment’ suggests energy and dynamism, celebrating dance, music and theatre. I wanted to use colour and geometry to capture this movement in my designs.”

“Every year we look forward to bringing new and exciting public art to the streets of the West End for all to enjoy,” said Mark Williams, Director of Art of London. “We’re thrilled to kick start this in 2023 with such bright and beautiful flags designed by Rana Begum RA, to reflect the cultures and diversity of the world below in the heart of Piccadilly.”

The flags will also be included as part of the second installment of London’s Art After Dark programme, which first launched in March and took place over two days. It’s now set to return in June, with full dates to come.

During Art After Dark, new public art installations will pop up around London, with well-known art institutions and independent galleries alike staying open beyond their usual opening hours so that art fans can see more exhibitions in the evenings.

“I love seeing Art of London’s banners going up along Piccadilly each year,” said Jo Prosser, a director at the Royal Academy of Arts. “Rana Begum RA’s beautiful installation accompanies you as you walk up Piccadilly…what a fantastic welcome to the West End.”

Royal Academician and multi-disciplinary artist Begun’s work typically focuses on presenting spatial and visual experiences as new and ordered forms.

Art of London is dedicated to showcasing art “in every form” around London, meaning the initiative puts on art “behind the legendary doors of institutions, theatres and retail, and flowing through the area’s streets and laneways”. Its project, Gallery Without Walls, aims to transform the West End, turning the urban hub into “place for original creative expression”.

The flag installation will be flying over the streets of Piccadilly from May 30 until August 20.