Myth, Memory, and Materiality in Art

These exhibitions tap into the rich interplay between history, identity, and the environment. From Gibbons’ mythological landscapes to Santillán's tech-savvy Andean reflections, each artist offers a fresh lens on cultural narratives.

Curated by EPIFANI

8 stops in London

1. Carole Gibbons: The Mythological Landscape

   Hales Gallery

   In 'The Mythological Landscape', Gibbons blends nostalgia and imagination, crafting dreamlike scenes that invite contemplation. Don’t miss the intricate details in her brushwork; they echo the timeless themes of transformation and nature.

2. Dia al-Azzawi: Excursion Across Time

   Richard Saltoun Gallery

   Dia al-Azzawi’s 'Excursion Across Time' showcases his profound connection to his heritage through bold colours and forms. Pay special attention to 'Oriental Window' — it’s a vibrant commentary on cultural intersections that resonates deeply.

3. The Andean Information Age

   Copperfield Gallery

   Oscar Santillán's 'The Andean Information Age' challenges perceptions of technology in cultural contexts. His installations are both innovative and thought-provoking, so engage with the materials he uses; they reveal much about Andean identity.

4. Marie Antoinette Style

   Victoria and Albert Museum

   The V&A’s 'Marie Antoinette Style' offers a peek into the opulence that defined a queen’s legacy. It's more than just fashion; it’s a study of power and aesthetics, so look closely at how the objects tell stories of politics and personality.

5. Relaxed Hours: Chiharu Shiota & Yin Xiuzhen

   Hayward Gallery

   At Hayward Gallery, 'Relaxed Hours: Chiharu Shiota & Yin Xiuzhen' creates a unique, immersive experience. The way Shiota uses thread to explore memory and space prompts a meditative engagement, making it worth your time to sit with her installations.

6. Dwellings, Rehomed

   Design Museum

   'Dwellings, Rehomed' at the Design Museum redefines birdhouses as artistic statements. The quirky designs reflect the relationship between nature and urban life, so take a moment to appreciate how each piece plays with form and function.

7. Marcel Duchamp & Sturtevant Dialogues are mostly fried snowballs

   Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac

   Duchamp and Sturtevant's dialogues at Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac reveal the boundaries of innovation. Their works challenge the viewer’s understanding of art, so consider how their unique methodologies inform contemporary practices.

8. Sophie Taeuber-Arp: la règle des courbes

   Hauser & Wirth

   Sophie Taeuber-Arp's exhibition at Hauser & Wirth is a must-see for fans of Dada and abstraction. Look for her playful yet precise formations; they illustrate how art can both disrupt and harmonise classical forms.