Rain is trendy. Not because it's chucked it down all year or because October means rainwear season, or even because it's very British (we have been particularly popular this year). But have a look in the design department – it's pouring.
This week the Barbican has opened its Rain Room, an installation where thousands of water drops fall from the ceiling of a 100 square meter passage. And if you're like me and you wished you were Storm (coolest X-man by far), then this is the hook. Using cameras that detect movement, the water will halt at the very point you stand so it's like casting your umbrella to the side and dancing in the rain without your hair getting wet. (I believe you might get a spray from the surrounding raindrops if you're looking to head elsewhere after). Now watch this:
It's beautiful. The sound of water gently crashing down, the humidity of nature indoors, the thousands of specs running to the ground. Back track to Burberry's Autumn/Winter 2012 show in February (start at 15 minutes into the video). This was the first time I was blown away by rain. I wasn't cursing it or wishing it away. I loved it!
It has continued into their store openings in Taipei and on Regent's Street.
It's stunning how digital technology is being used to recreate nature or perhaps even perfecting it. In celebration of this, I picked out the best captures of rain in art and film.
Top still and moving rain images
1. Singin' in the RainThe classic, glorious and brightening tap number in "California Dew".
2. The Drop, by Inges Idee
This giant and elegant sculpture sits on the edge of Vancouver's Convention Centre overlooking Burrard Inlet.
3. Seascape Study with Rain Cloud, 1824, Constable
One of the landscape master's most expressive studies.
4. Shawshank Redemption
The cleansing shower – possibly the most inspirational rain scene in film.
5. Cliffs at Pourville, Rain, 1886, Claude Monet
The genius of water covering sheets of rain at sea.
Extra: Here are two more special moments of rain in film: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Road to Perdition (listen to the sound of rain gradually rising behind the musical score).
It's forecasted before the weekend, so next time the clouds open look up and smile.
Rain Room is open daily, 11am-8pm (Thurs until 10pm) until 3 March 2013, at The Curve, Barbican, London.
Note: My illustration was inspired by http://brade-s.deviantart.com/art/Rain-94187735. Thank you.
