London can be a hard place to live in the winter. A city buffeted by Siberian winds while the grey days get ‘mugged’ by the surreptitious encroachment of night-time. Fortunately, the Parasol unit in Islington offers a retreat and shelter from the seasonal harshness with it’s first installation in the Parasolstice – Winter Light series of artworks.

In collaboration with American artist James Yamada, the unit has installed “The summer shelter retreats darkly among the trees”, a sculptural piece that addresses the phenomenon of light.

Integrated into the rooftop of the aluminium structure are 28 light elements at 10,000 lux, creating a sunlight-mimicking intensity referred to a ‘full spectrum light’ which is used in light therapy to treat the symptoms of SAD (seasonal affective disorder).

Located at the Parasol unit foundation for contemporary art at 14 Wharf Road, N1 7RW, the installation will be open from December through to March and admission is free.

Photo courtesy of James Yamada / Parasol Unit