Luke Jerram: Play Me, I'm Yours

One of the most intriguing artists working in the world today will bring one of his most popular projects to Norfolk thanks to a cooperative effort between the Chrysler and the Virginia Arts Festival.

Luke Jerram is not an artist who fits easily into one box. A married father of two from Bristol, England, he's worked in sound, light, metal, glass—and pure whimsy—for years. His website describes his work as a multidisciplinary arts practice that involves the creation of sculptures, installations and live artworks.

As a glass artist, he's probably best known for his microbiology series, where he crafted beautiful representations of viruses. As a sound artist, he's turned balloons into sky orchestras and has made public sculptures that sing in the wind. His kinetic chandeliers combine sculpture, light, and movement, and the Chrysler is pleased to have one on permanent display.

Back in 2008, struck by how public music could create a noticeable impact on routine, day-to-day urban environments, he launched the public art project Play Me, I'm Yours. The street piano project has since swept the world—more than 1,500 pianos in more than 50 cities reaching an estimated 10 million people. The decorated pianos with the instruction to "Play Me, I'm Yours" have generated an entire genre on YouTube, and given thousands of players of all skill levels a chance to shine.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website