Futurecity was appointed to curate ‘Ecliptical Spheres’ by British artist James Hopkins at Dollar Bay, Canary Wharf. Commissioned by Mount Anvil, ‘Ecliptical Spheres’ is a permanent, sculptural artwork.
Dollar Bay, a striking waterfront development near South Dock, resembles two rising crystals reflecting the Thames’ dynamic light. The commission brief prioritised water, time, reflection, and the nautical heritage of the old West India Docks. Its goal was to enhance the public realm, improve wayfinding, and complement Dollar Bay’s architectural context and the nearby South Dock while representing Mount Anvil’s future vision and honoring the past.
The artwork, ‘Ecliptical Spheres’, skillfully employs optical illusions, scale, and materiality to transform everyday objects and intrigue viewers. Three stone orbs aligned with a mirror-finished, stainless-steel plane create an enchanting ecliptical illusion, inspired by planetary alignment, evoking a serene and contemplative ambiance. Hopkins’ design beautifully references the area’s maritime history through angled, mirrored shapes akin to a telescope, prompting viewers to ponder their orientation.
