London’s immersive art scene just got a whole lot dreamier. British artist Claire Luxton is taking over Frameless London, the UK’s largest immersive art space, with a hypnotic new show that explores the delicate space between sleep and wakefulness. Titled ‘Right Before We Wake’, this surrealist dreamscape transports visitors into a world of colour, movement, and introspection.
Launching alongside the reimagined Beyond Reality gallery—home to digital interpretations of surrealist icons like Salvador Dalí and Max Ernst—Luxton’s work is set to blur the lines between reality and imagination. Sponsored by Adobe, the exhibition invites guests to embrace the magic of dreams while diving deep into the subconscious.
A Surrealist Exploration of Sleep and Imagination
Let’s be real—most of us aren’t getting enough sleep. According to recent YouGov research, 37% of adults in the UK suffer from insomnia, and just one in four actually clocks in eight hours a night. Luxton’s ‘Right Before We Wake’ taps into this cultural exhaustion, offering an oasis of calm amid the chaos of modern life.
Expect an immersive environment bathed in tranquil blues, deep purples, and rich greens, all designed to evoke relaxation, creativity, and introspection. Blue, known for its calming effects, has long been used in art—just ask Yves Klein, whose iconic monochromes capture the meditative power of the colour. Green, a Renaissance-era favourite, symbolises growth and renewal, while purple embodies mystery and deep thought.
Luxton weaves historical and philosophical references throughout the installation, drawing inspiration from Hippocrates, Aristotle, and the Symbolist movement. Her work explores how ancient thinkers believed dreams were portals to self-discovery, reinforcing the idea that sleep isn’t just necessary—it’s transformational.
Frameless London: The Ultimate Playground for Digital Art Lovers
Claire Luxton’s residency is just the latest addition to Frameless London’s cutting-edge immersive experiences. Since launching its Residencies Programme in 2023, Frameless has become a hub for emerging digital artists, offering a platform for experimentation and innovation.
Her show lands in Beyond Reality, a gallery reimagined for Easter 2025, which takes visitors through digitally enhanced interpretations of surrealist masterpieces. Think wraparound projections, mirrored surfaces, and animation-led storytelling, all designed to transport you into the minds of art history’s greatest dreamers.
Highlights include:
- Max Ernst’s ‘The Fireside Angel’ – A chaotic, war-inspired surrealist masterpiece now brought to life in motion.
- Gustav Klimt’s ‘The Tree of Life’ – A golden, swirling visual symphony that feels even more hypnotic in a digital space.
- Henri Rousseau’s ‘The Dream’ – A jungle fantasy where the boundaries between reality and imagination dissolve.
- Salvador Dalí’s ‘The Elephants’ – Those iconic, long-limbed creatures will be more surreal than ever in Frameless’ hyper-immersive setting.
Frameless has teamed up with BAFTA-winning digital production studio Cinesite to animate these legendary works. Expect music, motion-tracking technology, and interactive experiences that pull you straight into these alternate realities.
More Than Just a Visual Spectacle
Frameless isn’t just about passive observation—it’s about interaction. The space features a range of tech-driven galleries that encourage guests to step beyond traditional viewing and actively engage with art.
- Colour in Motion – Motion-tracking technology brings Impressionist masterpieces to life, responding to your movements.
- The World Around Us – Six-sided projection mapping transports visitors into breathtaking landscapes from the world’s greatest painters.
- The Art of Abstraction – A kaleidoscopic maze of colour, shape, and form, paying tribute to the pioneers of abstract art.
Each gallery is designed for total immersion, making Frameless London one of the most innovative art spaces in the UK.
Why You Need to Experience ‘Right Before We Wake’
If your TikTok feed is full of surrealist AI art, dream interpretation theories, or aesthetic sleep hacks, this is your show. Claire Luxton’s work taps into a growing cultural fascination with the subconscious, blending historical artistry with modern digital techniques.
In Shoreditch and beyond, creativity thrives in unexpected places, and Frameless London is leading the charge in digital innovation. Whether you’re a dedicated art lover, an immersive experience junkie, or just someone desperate for an eight-hour sleep, this exhibition offers something for everyone.
Plan Your Visit
Claire Luxton’s ‘Right Before We Wake’ opens this spring at Frameless London. For tickets, updates, and exclusive previews, head to www.frameless.com.
