FROM Hong Kong to Washington DC, London to Seoul, his work lights up some of the most dynamic cities in the world.

Now a new piece of work created especially for Southampton by artist David Batchelor has arrived in the city.

The 17 banners running along Above Bar are the next addition to Summer in the Square, the £100,000 project aimed at bringing the city centre alive this summer.

Commissioned by the John Hansard Gallery (JHG) as part of a bid to broaden their audience before opening later this year, P-A-R-A-D-E by Mr Batchelor is described as a “family of colourful forms” and runs from the corner of Civic Centre Road to Studio 144.

He has made work for the British Council headquarters in Hong Kong, a ten-metre high light installation at the Archway Tube Station in London, and a major commission for St. Pancras International Station entitled Chromolocomotion.

Director of the JHG – which is currently being moved from its site at Southampton University to Guildhall Square – Woodrow Kernohan said: “We are thrilled to work with these leading artists who have created ambitious and engaging new projects at very short notice. Each of the artists have very distinct practices that are brought together for ‘Summer in the Square’ through their shared interest in colour, form, the built environment and personal and public space.”

Neither the John Hansard Gallery or Southampton Cultural Trust would say how much has been paid for P-A-R-A-D-E but the city’s director of culture, James Gough, said Southampton City Council has contributed £35,000 to the overall cost of Summer in the Square.

He said: “We have gone out and commissioned artists to make three beautiful works and they are wonderful additions to Southampton.”

Markus Bergstrom’s ‘Pavilion’ opened last night with a special launch party and will host events and performances from local artists throughout August.

As previously reported, Huddlehood is already open on Guildhall Square and showcases the work of Irish artist Rhona Byrne, who has created ‘wearable art’ for members of the public to try on.

Summer in the Square is funded by Southampton City Council, Arts Council England, John Hansard Gallery, University of Southampton, Go! Southampton, and Culture Ireland.