‘Jem’ is an interactive (or immersive, depending on the time of day) sculpture at Flowstate (towards the Tribune St end of South Bank Parklands). Jem is basically a circular structure that creates a cage, lined with LED lights. We’ve only previously played with Jem during the day – the LED lights flash and make patterns based on your movement underneath it.

Night is a different story. Jem becomes a choreography of light and sound, with patterns of coloured light created to complement music. Reclined seating (of a sort) underneath the sculpture allows viewers to lie down, relax and watch the show unfold.

It was a bit busy when we were there – I’m not sure whether this is usual or just a result of the Night Noodle Markets attracting a higher number of people to South Bank on a Thursday night. Either way, it didn’t take long for us to be able to lie on the chairs and watch. And once we’d had a decent turn, we vacated our seat for someone else, grabbed a picnic blanket from our bag and lay on the ground to continue watching.

When we first arrived at Jem, it was turned off not long after we got settled so that some lights for an upcoming performance at Flowstate could be tested. While we waited for Jem to resume operation, we walked across the Goodwill Bridge to look at the QUT fairy light trees. If you’re in South Bank in the evening, a short walk across the river is a great add-on activity!

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