A Timeline of Infinite Skies

The 60th edition of the Brighton Festival is shaping up to be a significant one, especially as it marks a new era under the direction of Lucy Davies. Among the various visual arts scheduled, the installation A Timeline of Infinite Skies stands out for its focus on the local landscape. Located at the Phoenix Art Space, this project is the work of Antonio Jose Guzman and Iva Jankovic, a duo bringing together perspectives from Panama and Serbia. While the festival itself is a May-long event, this particular exhibition is scheduled for an extended run, opening on Saturday 2 May and continuing through until Sunday 28 June 2026.

The installation combines a physical environment with a soundscape to explore the more complex parts of Brighton and Hove’s history. Specifically, Guzman and Jankovic have developed the piece to reflect on the hidden legacies of the city, focusing on the forced migration of enslaved people and how these narratives intersect with the local area. It is an immersive experience, meaning the sound and visuals are designed to work together to create a specific atmosphere within the gallery space. As it is a free event, it offers a straightforward way to engage with the festival’s themes of social history and contemporary art without the barrier of a ticket price.

For those who regularly visit the Phoenix Art Space or follow the festival’s visual arts programme, this work provides a look at how international artists interpret local historical data. The exhibition is open to the general public and fits into the wider context of the festival’s anniversary, which aims to be inclusive of the whole city. Whether you are interested in the technical side of soundscapes or the historical context of migration in Sussex, the installation provides a space to consider these topics at your own pace. Since it remains open well after the main festival programme concludes in late May, there is a fair amount of time to visit during its two-month residency.