Chilling new light installation grips the University this Halloween

Published on 31, October, 2025

Students from the University of Sunderland have combined their graphic design skills and a visual illusion to create a spooky new light installation just in time for Halloween.

Haunting the University’s Priestman Showcase Gallery, City Campus, students have designed Halloween-inspired graphics to feature in a new light installation that makes those designs look as if they are floating in thin air.

The installation has been made possible through a Victorian theatre technique called Pepper’s Ghosts which creates an optical illusion of ghostly apparitions. The installation features 15 mysterious and magical jars filled with spooky-themed animations that have been designed by the students.

Ben Fletcher, who studies Graphic Design at the University whose work is on display in the installation, said: "Motion graphics is a great part of the course, especially in second year. Creating work for this showcase gave me the freedom to learn even more advanced techniques and the chance to challenge myself. It’s easily become one of my favourite projects so far."

The project aims to give students a chance to put their designing skills learnt during their studies into practice by giving them the opportunity to learn how to embed technology into their work.

Mark Rogerson, Lecturer in Design at the University of Sunderland, said: "This is a great way for the students to test their motion graphics skills in a live installation. It allows them to take what they’ve learnt in sessions and apply these skills in an exhibition context. It gives them experience of how their work can be used in public galleries and cultural events."

If you’re interested in studying Graphic Design at the University of Sunderland, click here. 

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