MQ Things To Do is a new feature In Barbican Life. As a local resident and enthusiast about all things cultural, I’m delighted that Barbican Life has given me the opportunity to share my experiences of some cultural activities available over the coming months. In this edition, I’m focussing on art. I’ve taken a look at three very different exhibitions: Michelangelo at the British Museum, Yinka Shonibare CBE’s Suspended States at Serpentine South and an online viewing of Vermeer’s The Greatest Exhibition.
Yinka Shonibare CBE: Exploring “Suspended States”
Serpentine South 12 Apr to 1 Sep
Entrance is free
Many of you may recall encountering Shonibare’s captivating works, such as “Boy on A Globe,” featured in the recent Barbican exhibition “Unravel: The Power of Politics and Textiles in Art,” or perhaps “Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle,” showcased in 2010 on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square. As a distinguished Royal Academician, Shonibare’s art resonates globally, as he delves into the intersection of Western art history and literature to interrogate contemporary cultural and national identities amidst the backdrop of globalization.
“Suspended States” extends this dialogue by intertwining European and African influences through a blend of sculptures, tapestries, and immersive installations. Among my personal favourites were “The War Library,” “Sanctuary City,” and “Wind Sculpture in Bronze IV.”
“Wind Sculpture IV” stands as a vibrant beacon just beyond the gallery’s entrance lobby. Its turquoise, yellow, orange, and gold fabric beckons visitors into a space ripe with contemplation. A comprehensive gallery guide, generously offered as a souvenir, outlines the artwork’s thematic ties to migration, building upon the concepts explored in Shonibare’s “Ship in a Bottle.”
“The War Library” is the latest addition to Shonibare’s series of immersive Library installations with brightly coloured Dutch wax print-covered books lining the shelves. The spines of the 5270 books in the War Library bear the names of conflicts and peace treaties, some repeated to reflect alternate appellations for the same events, while others remain unlabelled, symbolising conflicts yet to happen. Shonibare poignantly dubs it an “archive of human failure,” prompting viewers to ponder whether humanity truly learns from its tumultuous history.
“Sanctuary City” invites visitors into a dimly lit space housing 17 meticulously crafted maquettes, each illuminated from within. These structures symbolize places that have historically provided refuge to persecuted individuals, ranging from the United Nations HQ in New York to Notre Dame in Paris. Shonibare urges viewers to reflect on the ongoing responsibility of offering shelter to vulnerable groups.
The exhibition further engages viewers with downscaled public monuments covered in his trademark vibrant Dutch prints offer a visual commentary on contemporary socio-political issues. The Guest Projects and Guest Artist Space is a testament to Shonibare’s commitment to fostering local artist communities in both the East End of London and Nigeria
After all this thinking I was ready for a coffee and wandered just 100m down the path to The Magazine restaurant located next to the North Serpentine Gallery. Top venue to sit and reflect!
Vermeer: A Remarkable Exhibition Experience
“Vermeer: The Greatest Exhibition” is available for streaming starting at £4.99 https://seventh-art.com/product-category/exhibition-on-screen-2/
For those who missed out on the chance to secure tickets for the Vermeer exhibition at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, there’s still a wonderful opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of Vermeer through the recently released film by Seventh-Art Productions. Part of the acclaimed Exhibition on Screen collection, this film offers a captivating journey through the exhibition, all from the comfort of your own sofa. With an unobstructed view of each painting, accompanied by insightful commentary from art experts, it’s a delightful way to experience the brilliance of Vermeer’s masterpieces.
As someone who admires art without claiming expert knowledge, I found the film to be a truly enriching experience. It provided a chance to appreciate the intricate details in Vermeer’s magnificent works, such as the subtle use of contrast to highlight features like the eyebrows in the iconic “Girl with a Pearl Earring.” While undoubtedly nothing compares to seeing these paintings in person, the film allowed for a closer examination that might have been missed in a crowded gallery. I particularly appreciated the filmmaker’s inclusion of contextual information, like the comparison between the modern-day waterfront of Delft and Vermeer’s depiction in “View of Delft” from the seventeenth century.
However, I must admit that I found the lack of zoom and navigation options within the film somewhat frustrating. These features, available in the Rijksmuseum’s own free digital experience “Closer to Vermeer,” offer a more interactive exploration of the artworks. It’s worth noting that “Closer to Vermeer” is currently only available until June 4th, coinciding with the duration of the exhibition itself.
For those interested in delving into the world of Vermeer, the film “Vermeer: The Greatest Exhibition” is available for streaming starting at £4.99. It’s a captivating journey that brings the beauty and depth of Vermeer’s artistry directly to your screen.
Michelangelo: The Last Decades”
2 May to 28Jul in the Joseph Hotung Great Court Gallery at the British Museum
Early bird tickets from £14
This exhibition offers a compelling exploration of Michelangelo’s artistic endeavours from his relocation to Rome at the age of 59 until his passing in 1564 at the age of 89. Featuring sketches utilized in the creation of the monumental fresco “The Last Judgment” and the recently restored cartoon of “The Epifania,” juxtaposed with the resultant painting, the exhibition provides a comprehensive view of Michelangelo’s late-career oeuvre.
The primary objective of the exhibition, as articulated by lead curator Sarah Vowles, is to not only showcase the remarkable breadth of challenging projects undertaken by Michelangelo in his final three decades but also to provide insight into the man behind the iconic artist. Through a curated selection of drawings, letters, poems, and artifacts, the British Museum’s exhibition seeks to reveal Michelangelo’s personal journey and struggles with ageing.
Visitors are offered glimpses into Michelangelo’s collaboration with Marcello Venusti, a strategic alliance that allowed him to overcome the physical limitations of old age while continuing to fulfil commissions from eager patrons. The exhibition delves into Michelangelo’s existential contemplations, as evidenced by excerpts from his letters to his nephew Leonardo, alongside poignant crucifixion drawings, exploring themes of faith, the soul, and salvation.
In sum, the exhibition provides a captivating glimpse into the psyche of both the extraordinary artist and a relatable older individual grappling with the passage of time. Engaging and thought-provoking, it offers ample material for reflection and discussion – in my case over coffee and a delicious salad.
