Japanese artist creates fog bridge over Bristol

Japanese artists creates Fog bridge over Bristol

A Japanese artist has created a fog bridge across Bristol's harbourside to celebrate the city's status as European Green Capital.

Pero's Bridge will disappear behind a changing veil of fog to invite visitors to consider a changing climate and how it might disrupt their lives.

Fujiko Nakaya, who has used fog as a sculptural medium for more than 40 years, creates clouds by pumping water at high pressure through micro-fine nozzles. Words: PA

Her fog works have been commissioned for public spaces around the world, including Tokyo, San Francisco and New York City.

Fog Bridge in Bristol, which will run from February 13 to 22, is the first time the artist has presented an artwork in the UK.

"The function of a bridge is usually very simple, to cross over to the other side," she said.

"I like its functional simplicity, but it can hold a cloud and suspend it too. During the 10 days of festival, a bundle of fog will be perching on the bridge and performing with the wind.

"Walking inside fog, people are suddenly confronted with white darkness, but soon they find themselves trying to use all the senses other than the visual to orient themselves.

"People love the feel of fog on their skin, immersed, wet and cold, but gentle and soothing. It's a primary experience."

Fog Bridge is presented by production company In Between Time in association with Bristol 2015, European Green Capital.

Dr Anna Rutherford, executive director of In Between Time, said: "In the year of European Green Capital, Fog Bridge allows us all to think more widely about climate disruption, and on a smaller scale, the artist's own working methods, her collaboration with the elements, water and wind currents, is a reminder of our own need to collaborate more with the natural environment."