Limbic Cinema is an award-winning multimedia creative studio based in Bristol that specializes in transforming spaces and transporting audiences through cutting-edge digital tools and immersive technologies. The studio crafts mesmerizing and meaningful experiences using light, sound, and moving image, spanning a wide range of platforms, including new media installations for galleries, video design for theatre, large-scale public projections, and immersive multimedia experiences. Their extensive portfolio reflects a dynamic approach, blending an interest in both the abstract and the factual, transitioning between projects that employ traditional narrative storytelling and those that embrace impressionistic, concept-driven techniques. Limbic Cinema is led by three artists: Thomas Price, Thom Buttery, and Tom Newell.
Illusions of Movement is an immersive film triptych that explores how humans use technology to capture, record, and represent reality.
A linear narrative weaves together poetry, archival footage, and original content, guiding audiences on a 45,000-year audio-visual journey—from Neolithic cave paintings to the rise of artificial intelligence.
It highlights how rapidly moving-image technology has developed and raises questions about authentic storytelling in the age of AI.
This installation was originally commissioned as part of the UNESCO Cities of Film’s “Summer of Film” Takeover in Bristol, 2023.
The project combines projection mapping, volumetric lighting, and interactivity to support the storytelling. Projection beams intentionally overspill the sculptural video screens, immersing audiences in rays of colourful light that expand from the moving image content.
Illusions of Movement is an immersive film triptych that explores how humans use technology to capture, record, and represent reality.
Spectra is the third in a series of projects created by Limbic Cinema that explores how light shapes human beings and how we shape light. Inspired by Linda Geddes’s book Chasing The Sun, it was developed through conversations with leading historians, scientists, astronomers, and ecologists across the UK. The physical sculpture is a modern interpretation of monuments that brought people together in ancient civilizations to contemplate and celebrate the sun.
From the stone circles of England to the “Benbens” of Egypt, monolithic structures were built across the globe as centers for rituals. Light would interact with the structure, resulting in transcendent experiences for collective audiences. The common perception across all cultures was that light and darkness were extremely important to their daily lives.
Scan the QR code to listen to The Science Behind Spectra, a short factual podcast created by Limbic Cinema that uncovers some of the research and inspiration behind their new media artwork.