From Sea to Self: Identity in Modern Art

This curated experience navigates the fluidity of identity through the lens of personal and collective narratives. Each exhibition captures how environment and experience shape our understanding of self and community.

Curated by EPIFANI

8 stops in London

1. Seurat and the Sea

   Courtauld Institute

   Seurat’s sea paintings are more than just pretty pictures; they explore the interplay of light and colour, evoking feelings of nostalgia and reflection. Look for how his Pointillism mirrors the complexity of identity—each dot a part of a larger whole.

2. I Don't Know What's Come Over Me

   Workplace Gallery

   Cabaniuk’s work dives deep into queer identity, presenting intimate moments that resonate with anyone who’s felt the joy and pain of connection. The raw emotion in his paintings invites you to ponder your own experiences of intimacy.

3. TECHNÉ

   Fold Gallery

   TECHNÉ pairs technology with artistry, challenging how we conceive of creation and connection in a digital age. Trotzig and Wilcke’s pieces provoke a dialogue about the role of technology in shaping identity, reflecting modern existential queries.

4. Rose Wylie: The Picture Comes First

   Royal Academy of Arts

   Wylie's playful yet profound approach to painting reinvents the narrative of joy in art. Her vibrant compositions defy convention and invite a fresh perspective on how individual experiences can be expressed through colour and form.

5. Catherine Opie: To Be Seen

   National Portrait Gallery

   Opie's portraits serve as both mirror and window, showcasing identity in its many forms. Her ability to capture the essence of community through her lens speaks volumes about the importance of representation in art.

6. New Contemporaries

   South London Gallery

   New Contemporaries is a must-see for anyone interested in the future of art. This year's selection tackles pressing themes like the climate crisis and gentrification, reflecting the concerns of a generation grappling with identity in a changing world.

7. Upwelling

   Seventeen Gallery

   Bradley’s Upwelling uses the ocean as a metaphor for life and renewal, creating suspended installations that embody richness and vibrancy. There's a deep connection here to identity—the nutrient-rich waters mirror the diverse experiences that shape us.

8. Wakaliga Uganda

   Chisenhale Gallery

   Cookies' Wakaliga Uganda is a unique exploration of cultural identity through visual storytelling. This exhibition promises to challenge and expand your understanding of how place influences self-expression in art.