Curves and Conscience: Abstraction to Identity

This curated experience weaves through abstraction, design, and personal narrative across London’s art scene. From Sophie Taeuber-Arp’s geometric forms to the intimate explorations of queer identity in James Cabaniuk's work, each exhibition prompts a reflection on the connections between art and per

Curated by EPIFANI

8 stops in London

1. Sophie Taeuber-Arp: la règle des courbes

   Hauser & Wirth

   Taeuber-Arp’s work at Hauser & Wirth is not just about aesthetics; it’s a liberation of form that invites you to consider the interplay of shapes and emotions. Look for her textiles, which beautifully merge craft and art, showing how functional design can transcend into the realm of the avant-garde.

2. Sophie Taeuber-Arp: la règle des courbes / The Rule of Curves

   Hauser & Wirth

   Similarly, this second exhibition at Hauser & Wirth continues to expand on Taeuber-Arp's legacy, focusing on her innovative abstraction. Pay attention to how her use of colour and line creates an almost musical rhythm on the canvas, a precursor to modern geometric abstraction.

3. Katharina Grosse, Bermondsey

   White Cube

   At White Cube in Bermondsey, Katharina Grosse's immersive installations challenge the boundaries of painting. Her bold use of colour and large-scale works invites contemplation on the nature of space and perception – a perfect segue from the rigid forms of Taeuber-Arp.

4. Waldmüller: Landscapes

   National Gallery

   Waldmüller's landscapes at the National Gallery offer a serene contrast, showcasing nature’s beauty and emotional depth. His romantic vistas are rich with narrative, making you ponder how environment shapes our experiences, paralleling the themes of personal exploration in the subsequent stops.

5. Through my fault

   Carlos/Ishikawa

   Josiane M.H. Pozi's 'Through my fault' invites introspection, addressing collective and personal responsibility. The soft palettes and video work juxtapose strong themes with delicate execution, creating a powerful emotional resonance that links to the deeper questions found in the later exhibitions.

6. Tenderness and Rage

   Wellcome Collection

   The Wellcome Collection’s 'Tenderness and Rage' offers a multi-sensory experience, encouraging accessibility in art. With its thoughtful curation that incorporates various formats, this exhibition prompts viewers to engage with emotional complexities, much like Pozi’s work.

7. Dwellings, Rehomed

   Design Museum

   ‘Dwellings, Rehomed’ at the Design Museum reimagines the simple birdhouse, turning it into a canvas for exploration and innovation. These playful yet meaningful designs remind you of our connection to nature, echoing themes of shelter and belonging threaded through the earlier stops.

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

   Workplace Gallery

   James Cabaniuk’s 'I Don't Know What's Come Over Me' dives deep into the nuances of queer identity. His paintings explore raw emotional moments and intimate experiences, making a unique connection to the previous exhibitions’ focus on personal narratives, culminating in a powerful dialogue on identity.