MEET OUR 2025 BRILLIANT COMMISSIONED ARTISTS
We’re thrilled to introduce you to our five BRILLIANT commissioned artists who created and exhibited new light works at Lumiere 2025, as part of the small-scale commissioning scheme.
Sponsored by EMG Solicitors, headquartered in Durham, BRILLIANT encourages anyone to submit a bright idea, not just practising artists.
The long-standing scheme’s mission is to broaden the diversity of those working in the medium of light both locally and across the UK, and give an opportunity for non-creatives and early career artists to be part of the biennial.
The artworks were presented alongside established international and UK artists in the thought-provoking 2025 programme.
I’m so delighted to be producing BRILLIANT: it’s a project I’ve long admired, and feel honoured to be a support to the artists in bringing their ideas to life. This year’s artworks range from provocative to contemplative to playful, and we’re especially proud that three of the selected artists are from the North East. It’s a joy to champion these artists and celebrate creativity rooted in this region.
Tilda Verrells, BRILLIANT Producer
Mohamad Aaqib Anvarmia
Mohamad Aaqib Anvarmia is a Leicester-based fine artist and sculptor whose work explores the intersection of Islamic art, geometry, and contemporary design. With a background in architecture, Aaqib uses laser cutting, layered construction, and reflective materials to create visually intricate pieces that blend traditional patterns with modern techniques.
His practice is deeply informed by his lived experience as a dyslexic artist and first-generation immigrant, drawing inspiration from cultural symbolism, sacred geometry, and the aesthetics of spiritual architecture. Aaqib’s installations often incorporate light, mirrors, and natural materials such as wood to create immersive environments that explore perception, repetition, and the infinite.
Aaqib’s work seeks to engage audiences through form, symmetry, and interaction — inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and connect. He is currently expanding his practice through large-scale public installations, exploring how pattern, space, and light can transform everyday environments into contemplative experiences.
“I still can’t believe I’ve been selected as a BRILLIANT artist — I’m honestly so grateful and excited. It means a lot to be given this chance to take my ideas further and bring them into a public space. The scheme is a big step for me, especially working on a larger scale with light. I’m really looking forward to learning through the process, meeting other creatives, and making something that connects with people and makes them stop, reflect, and feel something.”
Mohamad Aaqib Anvarmia
Hannah Ayre
Hannah Ayre has a multi-disciplinary practice, specialising in bringing art out of traditional settings and into accessible public spaces. She is fascinated by geometric shapes, colour and the joy her work can bring to audiences during the colder months.
Her work is created from fluorescent materials which glow vividly under LED ultra violet light. She strives to create fun, accessible projects which engage and unite audiences, while creating memories and a lasting legacy.
Her work as a light artist has led to commissions for numerous winter light festivals and events. She creates on-site, bespoke installations, as well as sculptural works which are designed to tour. Hannah works solo and also frequently collaborates with other artists and fabricators, as well as making participatory work with communities.
“I’m incredibly excited to be making work for such a prestigious and well known light event, with the support of such an experienced production team. The BRILLIANT award will enable me to bring to life an idea which I’ve been developing for some time. It will enable me to create a new body of work made from scrap bike wheels, helping me to achieve my personal sustainability goals. The installation will premiere at Lumiere 2025 but has also been designed so it can be reconfigured for other sites in the future.”
Hannah Ayre
Kevin Edworthy
Kevin Edworthy is a retired local government officer who volunteers with Durham Cathedral. He came to the north-east 40 years ago to go to college and has lived and worked in Durham for over 30 years. He met his wife Linda, on his very first day working in County Hall and together they have brought up two children. A fan of street photography, his Lumiere piece has been informed by time spent photographing people and everyday life on the streets of Durham. It also reflects his belief that Durham is a romantic city where people meet and fall in love.
“I love Lumiere and what it does for our city. This is the seventh time I’ve applied to BRILLIANT and I am chuffed to bits to have been selected. It’s great when Lumiere reflects life in our city and that’s what I’ve focused on. The sort of street photography I like is witty and humorous and I hope what I’ve come up with puts a smile on people’s faces for a second or two. I’ve some work to do with the Lumiere team to bring my idea to fruition, but I’m really looking forward to flicking that switch for the very first time.”
Kevin Edworthy
Lewis Hobson
Lewis Hobson is an artist from County Durham with a background in graffiti and mural art, best known for his large-scale murals on The Headland in Hartlepool. His experience in graffiti underpins his approach to art, valuing street art as a means to engage with hard-to-reach groups and those who do not consider themselves artists. Taking particular interest in community projects, Lewis organised the region’s first mural festival in Spennymoor as well as organising legal art spaces across County Durham. Recently, his work has branched out into sculpture, writing and documentary making in a time of experimentation which has seen a sold out screening at The Gala Theatre, articles published, and his work featured in galleries.
“Five years ago, I was working as a carer for adults with autism, if you had asked me if I was an artist, I would have said no. This scheme comes at the perfect time for me as I’m experimenting with different mediums, having predominantly used spray paints for most of my work. I think it will be great for people to see someone from my background having made the journey from graffiti artist to Lumiere, hopefully inspiring people to follow their instincts with their own practice.”
Lewis Hobson
Mani Kambo
Mani Kambo is a multidisciplinary artist, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, who has recently exhibited at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, and Somerset House, amongst other esteemed institutions. Her work explores the inner spirit by drawing on her own personal totemic symbols, influenced by her upbringing in a household filled with superstition, prayer and religious ceremony. She focuses on objects, routines and rituals distilled both from the everyday and mythology. Through layering and editing images together she collages narratives and weaves dreamscapes.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be chosen as a BRILLIANT artist. Light and installation work represents completely new territory for me, making this opportunity feel like a step up in my practice. I’m thrilled to have the support and platform to experiment with unfamiliar techniques and materials – it’s the perfect chance to challenge myself, push boundaries and grow as an artist while creating something meaningful for such a prestigious event.”
Mani Kambo
EMG Solicitors returns as the key sponsor of the BRILLIANT national commissioning scheme for Lumiere 2025. EMG Solicitors is a growing firm headquartered in Durham that has supported Lumiere events since 2017.
EMG Solicitors is delighted to renew its support of Lumiere’s BRILLIANT commissioning scheme for 2025. As a company deeply rooted in Durham, and with strong values around supporting our local communities, we can’t wait to see Lumiere return to Durham City and shines a spotlight on the North East’s vibrant cultural scene, which we are thrilled to be a part of. We believe in the power of art and culture to inspire and unite communities, and as a local business, we proud to play a part in making this happen.
The event is a huge asset to the North East, and we want to ensure that Lumiere continues to come to the city for the whole region to enjoy. Over the years we have witnessed the impact that it has on the local economy, and the excitement that it brings to the area. As a previous supporter of Lumiere, we know how wonderful it is to be a part of a network of likeminded businesses who want to champion cultural events in the North East, and demonstrate our commitment to social value.
Claire Hewitt, EMG Solicitors