About Together
Murugiah and Sam Wiehl’s response to this year’s River of Light theme, Together, invites audiences into a vibrant world shaped by identity, imagination and collective experience.
For Murugiah, the theme sparked a deeply personal reflection on the many versions of ourselves that exist within a single person. Born in the UK, raised in Wales and connected to his Sri Lankan heritage, his experiences span many cultures and interests, from rugby and pop-punk music to a successful career as an artist. This exploration of multiple identities became the starting point for the artwork, celebrating the richness and complexity that makes each of us unique.
Drawing on his practice of immersive storytelling and audiovisual experiences, Sam Wiehl expands this idea into a playful and welcoming ecosystem where characters, creatures and environments coexist in harmony. The artwork invites audiences to explore a world where anything feels possible, encouraging personal interpretations of community, connection and belonging.
The final artwork has been further enriched through a process of co-creation with community groups across Liverpool, including the Ukrainian Community Centre, Walton Youth and Community Centre, Bronte Youth and Community Centre, Our House in Walton, Greenhouse Project, Sedgemoor Centre and Dovedale & Calderstones Community Group. Through a series of workshops, participants shared stories, ideas and experiences of togetherness, helping to shape the creative vision and ensuring that the work reflects a wide range of voices and perspectives.
Accompanying the visual installation is an original soundscape by GloMoth, whose immersive music composition brings an additional layer of atmosphere and emotion to the experience. Responding to the themes of identity, connection and shared experiences, the soundtrack weaves through the artwork, encouraging visitors to lose themselves in this imagined world and discover their own sense of togetherness within it.
Blending personal narratives, imaginative world-building and community co-creation, the artwork celebrates the many ways we come together, reminding us that our differences can be a source of strength, creativity and connection.
Easy Read Description
This artwork celebrates identity, community and belonging. It features colourful characters, creatures and landscapes, inviting visitors to explore an imaginative world. Created by Murugiah, Sam Wiehl and GloMoth, with ideas from community groups across Liverpool, the artwork celebrates different experiences and shows how people can come together, share stories and find strength in their differences.
Location
Wapping Dock Wall
About Murugiah, Sam Wiehl and Glomoth
Murugiah - MURUGIAH’s work reflects on his life and identity, drawing on his Sri Lankan heritage and Welsh upbringing. His flower-, elephant- and skull-headed characters are influenced by a youth playing Nintendo, listening to pop punk and watching Saturday morning cartoons. Fused with references to Hollywood film and Sri Lankan art and design, works range from new sculpture and painting to commercial print and animation.
Sam Wiehl - With a focus on the visualisation of sound and creating immersive audience experiences, artist Sam Wiehl has an extensive and varied background creating work as a Visual Artist, Live Event Designer, Film-Maker and Art Director. His work takes many forms and includes the use of game engine technology, along with world-building and interactive art focusing on storytelling and often collaboration.
GloMoth - A musician and multidisciplinary artist based in Liverpool. Alongside her work with art-pop trio Stealing Sheep, she creates music independently for film, animation, installations and live projects. Her musical work moves between playful, atmospheric and experimental sounds, often bringing together electronic production, songwriting and sound design.