Maurizio Cattelan’s latest exhibition, “Bones,” at Gagosian London, showcases 24K gold-plated panels marked with bullet holes. This art piece serves as a critique of the juxtaposition between immense wealth and the accessibility of weapons. Echoing his previous work, “America,” which was stolen earlier this year, Cattelan’s new pieces delve into themes of creation and destruction.

The exhibition also features a prominent marble sculpture resembling a bull’s bust, positioned atop a couch. This piece invites contemplation about its mythical quality and placement in a modern context, highlighting Cattelan’s aim to blend ancient history with contemporary art. Together, the elements of the exhibition challenge viewers to consider the contrasts of domesticity versus wildness and wealth versus vulnerability.

“Bones” runs until May 24, offering an engaging experience that reflects on complex social issues through striking visuals.

Maurizio Cattelan’s “Bones” provocatively explores wealth’s relationship with violence. Through gold-plated panels with bullet holes and a striking marble sculpture, the exhibition raises important questions about creation and destruction. Visitors are encouraged to reflect on these contrasts until the exhibition closes on May 24.

Original Source: hypebeast.com

The post Maurizio Cattelan’s ‘Bones’ Exhibition: Art, Wealth, and Violence first appeared on The London Bell.

Sir Peter Cook is collaborating with Serpentine and the LEGO Group to create the Play Pavilion in London’s Kensington Gardens, revealing it on World Play Day, June 11th, 2025. This colorful and immersive structure serves as a celebration of play, showcasing architecture’s lesser-recognised function: joy. With vibrant designs and theatrical elements, the pavilion encourages visitors to engage with its playful nature and eccentricity.

The Play Pavilion will feature dynamic shapes and interactive areas. As Sir Peter Cook described it, “The Play Pavilion is a piece of theatre… intriguing shapes rise from within the structure.” The design aims to provide a living cartoon experience, where moments of laughter and activity peek through its scooped walls, inviting engagement from visitors.

By partnering with Cook and LEGO, Serpentine aims to expand beyond traditional gallery confines into a more lively park environment. Bettina Korek and Hans Ulrich Obrist from Serpentine expressed their excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to be collaborating with the LEGO Group… to realise the vision for play we all share with Peter Cook.” This collaboration makes architecture accessible in public spaces, promoting realistic interactions.

LEGO bricks will feature prominently in the pavilion’s design, showcasing the role of play in fostering connection and exploration. Julia Goldin from LEGO highlighted that “Play is not just a source of joy; it fosters connection and encourages exploration,” transforming the pavilion into an interactive space for imagination.

The Play Pavilion resonates with Cook’s legacy from the Radical Design movement, drawing from his history with Archigram. It reflects his visionary approach while remaining accessible to a broader audience. The pavilion represents a democratic tribute to playfulness, inviting summer activations and public programs that cultivate community interactions and experiences.

As visitors explore the pavilion, they are invited to partake in its performance-oriented design. Sir Peter Cook encapsulated its essence well: “Play transcends survival, achievement, and common sense.” In a society that often prioritises efficiency, this pavilion celebrates radical playfulness and the joy of wandering.

Project Information:
– Name: Play Pavilion
– Architect: Sir Peter Cook
– Program: Serpentine Galleries
– Collaborator: LEGO Group
– Exhibition Dates: June 11th — August 10th, 2025
– Visualizations: Courtesy Serpentine Galleries

The Play Pavilion by Sir Peter Cook represents a bold, interactive celebration of play, merging architectural creativity with communal experiences. Opening on June 11th, 2025, it aims to redefine how architecture can engage the public. By incorporating LEGO into its design, it emphasises the importance of joy, collaboration, and exploration, challenging traditional architectural concepts and encouraging playful interactions.

Original Source: www.designboom.com

The post Sir Peter Cook, LEGO Collaborate for Innovative Play Pavilion in London first appeared on The London Bell.

The National Gallery in London is hosting a unique overnight stay in the exhibition rooms, allowing a winner to dream beneath renowned paintings. This exceptional opportunity coincides with the gallery’s 200th anniversary and aims to celebrate its reopening following a two-year closure. The prize draw will select a participant from subscribers to the gallery’s newsletter to enjoy the experience that includes a private tour and dinner at Locatelli restaurant.

The overnight experience begins with a dinner for two, followed by a private tour led by Christine Riding, the director of collections and research. Participants will explore over 1,000 artworks illustrating western European painting from the 13th to the 20th century, featuring famous pieces and previously unseen works. The next morning, the winner enjoys a breakfast hamper before having exclusive access to the gallery.

This rehang of the gallery is the most extensive in recent years, coinciding with additional anniversary events, including a supporters’ house and a learning centre. Past overnight events, such as a 24-hour opening for Van Gogh’s exhibition, highlight the gallery’s commitment to unique visitor experiences. The director, Sir Gabriele Finaldi, emphasised the significance of this draw as a novel way to present the collection’s stories and surprises.

The National Gallery’s overnight prize draw offers a rare chance to experience its newly re-hung collection under remarkable circumstances. With a luxurious dinner, private tour, and exclusive access post-closure, this initiative not only celebrates the gallery’s bicentenary but also highlights its ongoing commitment to visitor engagement. The competition exemplifies innovation in art appreciation and interactive experiences.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com

The post National Gallery Launches Unique Sleepover Prize Draw Amidst 200th Anniversary first appeared on The London Bell.

A captivating exhibition by artist grAzie is on display at Colony Room Green in London, showcasing a series of colourful paintings influenced by pop culture. Her work combines elements of celebrity icons, fashion, and street art, providing a lively interpretation of familiar images through bright colours and textures. Iconic references in her pieces include Kim Kardashian, The Spice Girls, and The Beatles, reflecting the intersection of Pop art and street art.

By layering abstraction and texture, grAzie crafts a unique style that blends both street and fine art while retaining emotional depth. Her mixed media approach, often involving metallic papers and spray paints, creates a vibrant aesthetic aimed at enticing and entertaining viewers.

grAzie’s journey began in New Zealand, where she studied Fine Art at Canterbury University, before moving to London. The Colony Room, historically a haven for artists and eccentrics, has now transformed into Colony Room Green, an interactive art installation and bar. The venue features elements of its rich history alongside contemporary events like music and comedy.

The exhibition will run until the end of April, inviting visitors to experience grAzie’s playful and innovative artwork.

grAzie’s exhibition at Colony Room Green encapsulates the lively interplay of popular culture and art. Her vibrant paintings invite viewers to explore the emotional connections we have with iconic images. The transformation of Colony Room into an interactive art space enriches the cultural landscape of London, honouring its artistic legacy while embracing contemporary creativity. Visitors can enjoy grAzie’s work through to late April, experiencing a fusion of nostalgia and modern expression.

Original Source: www.londondaily.news

The post Artist grAzie Unveils Colourful Exhibition at Colony Room Green in London first appeared on The London Bell.

William Morris, the Victorian arts and crafts designer, has left an indelible mark worldwide through his iconic floral patterns, influencing interior decor and fashion as well as notable items like phone cases and umbrellas. The William Morris Gallery’s exhibition, “Morris Mania,” explores how Morris became a viral design sensation, showcasing over a century of his impactful designs.

The roots of this popularity took hold during Morris’s lifetime, starting with his Morris & Co showroom in 1877 and prestigious commissions from aristocratic clients, including the royal residences. Russian Tsar Nicholas II famously ordered Morris fabric for his Winter Palace in 1895, a testament to Morris’s appeal among elite circles. Interestingly, his wallpaper survived the Bolshevik ransacking of the palace in 1917, cementing its legacy.

Following the expiration of his copyright in 1966, mass-market Morris merchandise flooded the market, with brands like Laura Ashley pushing floral aesthetics into mainstream awareness. During the Thatcher era, Morris’s designs featured even in Royal Navy submarines, showcasing the irony of his work being associated with war, a cause he critiqued throughout his life.

The exhibition, designed by Sam Jacob, immerses visitors in a vibrant Morris-themed environment, filled with an eclectic range of Morris objects from high-end fashion to everyday knick-knacks. Morris’s patterns have transcended traditional boundaries, being adapted by both exclusive designers and popular brands like Habitat.

Morris’s popularity has spread globally, especially in Asia, where unique adaptations like a Japanese kimono featuring his Strawberry Thief fabric are showcased. There’s also a growing market in China, fuelled by record-breaking exhibitions and AI-generated merchandise flooding online platforms.

While this mass-produced, computer-generated merchandise may contrast with the artisanal quality valued in authentic Morris designs, it mirrors Morris’s struggle between accessibility and artisan dignity. A cheeky book referenced in the exhibit, “Fully Automated Luxury Communism,” echoes his hopes for a society where work is no longer based on drudgery, a vision that still resonates today, despite ongoing ethical concerns surrounding production practices.

William Morris’s designs continue to permeate modern culture, resonating through various facets of life, from royal palaces to everyday items. The “Morris Mania” exhibition highlights the designer’s vast influence and evolving legacy, while also juxtaposing traditional craftsmanship with contemporary mass production trends. Ultimately, Morris’s ideals of accessibility and quality remain as relevant as ever, inviting ongoing dialogue about art in society.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com

The post William Morris Mania: A Global Influence from Submarines to Saris first appeared on The London Bell.

Ed Atkins’ exhibition at Tate Britain showcases his exploration of the intersection between digital art and human emotion. His unique approach portrays restless, weightless bodies that express confusion and complexity, mirroring human experiences. Atkins, a key figure in British digital art, merges contemporary technology with themes of love, longing, and grief, rendered in striking detail.

The exhibition features over 15 years of Atkins’ work, including a variety of moving images, videos, paintings, and drawings. It begins with his early pieces, such as Death Mask II and Cur, which establish his visual style. Later works like Refuse.exe, The Worm, and Pianowork 2 showcase his evolution towards CGI while also reflecting a return to physical mediums.

The museum describes Atkins’ aim as creating a sense of the familiar becoming strange, encapsulating chaos, confusion, and interruption that characterise human life. A significant element of the exhibition is a collection of over 700 Post-It drawings made for his children’s lunchboxes, highlighting a playful and confessional side that reflects deeper human sentiments.

Atkins’ exhibition is open at Tate Britain until August 25, 2023, located at Millbank, London SW1P 4RG, UK.

The exhibition at Tate Britain highlights Ed Atkins’ mastery in bridging digital art and profound human emotion. Through a diverse range of works spanning over 15 years, Atkins captures the complexity and chaos of life while inviting viewers to explore the uncanny aspects of existence. His playful Post-It artworks add a personal touch, reinforcing the universal themes of love and longing.

Original Source: hypebeast.com

The post Exploring the Uncanny: Ed Atkins Exhibition at Tate Britain first appeared on The London Bell.

A new exhibition, “Secrets of the Thames,” is currently on display at London Museum Docklands, featuring fascinating mudlarked items such as Roman hair pins, 18th-century curling tongs, and medieval decorated belts. The River Thames, often overlooked by locals, is internationally recognised for its archaeological significance, largely due to the efforts of licensed mudlarks who diligently search the foreshore at low tide for historical artefacts.

Historically, mudlarking was a pursuit of the Victorian impoverished, but today, thousands engage in this activity legally under the Port of London Authority. Each year, they discover and log dozens of remarkable finds at the museum. Kate Sumnall, the exhibition’s curator, notes the importance of these discoveries in enhancing our knowledge of history.

The exhibition highlights that each object, whether it’s false teeth, sundials, gold rings, or spectacles, serves as a portal to the experiences of past Londoners. Noteworthy items displayed include the Iron Age Battersea Shield and a Viking-era dagger, promising a profound exploration of London’s past. “Secrets of the Thames” will remain open until March 2026, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s rich heritage.

The “Secrets of the Thames” exhibition at London Museum Docklands reveals a trove of historical artefacts uncovered by dedicated mudlarks, showcasing the River Thames as a vital archaeological site. This exhibition deepens our understanding of London’s history through everyday objects and significant finds.

Original Source: www.ldnfashion.com

The post Mudlarking Treasures from the Thames Featured in New London Exhibition first appeared on The London Bell.

Qualeasha Wood’s exhibition, Malware, at Pippy Houldsworth Gallery explores themes of Black femme identity through the lens of digital glitches. Wood uses glitch aesthetics to reflect on self-identity in a media-saturated world, blending body horror with a hopeful outlook. Her unique works include tapestries, tuftings, and videos that transform digital code into artistic expressions.

In Malware, her jacquard tapestries turn pixels into poetic stories, illuminated by computer screen lights. These pieces feature her signature webcam self-portraits layered with comments on burnout and digital overexposure, including code in Python and Java. Her accompanying videos further distort these images, enhancing the theme of identity fluidity.

Moving within the gallery, viewers encounter tufted works that evoke memories of her grandmother’s house, reflecting on the intersection of online and offline life. Wood contemplates memory distortion and themes of girlhood, highlighting the tension between digital existence and real-life experiences.

The gallery notes, “Like a computer virus, [a glitch] infiltrates and corrupts systems, but it also creates new pathways.” Wood applies this analogy to Black femme experiences within societal structures that often view them as errors. Her art interrogates the feelings of paranoia and anxiety tied to existing in systems that commodify individuals while also portraying them as problems.

Qualeasha Wood’s **Malware** exhibition showcases her innovative use of glitch aesthetics to examine Black femme identities. Through her work, she challenges digital and societal constructs while evoking themes of memory and identity. The gallery is open until April 26, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities of life both online and offline.

Original Source: hypebeast.com

The post Exploring Black Femme Identities: Qualeasha Wood’s ‘Malware’ first appeared on The London Bell.

Frida Kahlo’s artwork remains influential, showcasing her vibrant paintings and multifaceted life. She was not only an artist but also a political activist deeply connected to her community and Indigenous heritage. To celebrate her legacy, London’s Tate Modern will present an exhibit titled Frida Kahlo: The Making of an Icon in 2026, honouring the diverse aspects of her persona.

The exhibit will highlight Kahlo’s various identities—such as a devoted wife, artist, intellectual, and activist—offering insights into the significance of women in 20th-century art. Organised by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston in collaboration with Tate Modern, the exhibition will feature 130 works, including iconic paintings and personal memorabilia from Kahlo’s archives.

Additionally, this exhibition will showcase the influence of Kahlo by presenting works from over 80 artists inspired by her legacy, spanning five generations. Curator Mari Carmen Ramírez notes that the exhibit differentiates between the artist and the persona, revealing how Kahlo’s crafted identity inspired artists and activists alike.

Frida Kahlo: The Making of an Icon will run from June 25, 2026, to January 4, 2027, at Tate Modern. Though ticket prices are yet to be confirmed, members will enjoy free admission. For further details, check Tate Modern’s official website.

The upcoming exhibition at Tate Modern, **Frida Kahlo: The Making of an Icon**, will explore the complexities of Kahlo’s identity and artistic legacy. Featuring a vast array of her works alongside pieces from those she inspired, this exhibit promises to illuminate her role in art and activism. Set to run from June 25, 2026, through January 4, 2027, it will be a significant event for art enthusiasts.

Original Source: mymodernmet.com

The post Frida Kahlo Exhibition at Tate Modern Set for 2026 first appeared on The London Bell.

A new exhibition titled “Miscellany” by Japanese artist Junko O’Neill showcases contemporary abstract paintings made with traditional Japanese paints called ‘Iwaenogu’. This ancient medium, composed of finely ground minerals, connects traditional and modern Japanese art.

O’Neill explores the aesthetic concept of “Ma”, which embodies negative space and the interplay of time and space in her artwork. Her paintings convey stillness and potential, evoking a contemplative atmosphere that encourages viewers to pause and reflect.

Her compositions draw inspiration from diverse sources, such as photographs and nature, resulting in a rich blend of colours and forms. Titled “Miscellany”, the exhibition highlights her experimental approach and diverse ideas, merging traditional techniques with a contemporary perspective.

Originally from Tokyo, O’Neill holds a BA and MA in Fine Art Painting from Winchester School of Art. Her work has featured in numerous exhibitions, including the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours and the John Moores Painting Prize.

The exhibition runs from June 18 to 29 at the Peggy Jay Gallery in Burgh House, Hampstead, with opening hours from 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday. A private viewing is scheduled on June 17 from 6pm to 8pm. For details, visit www.junkooneill.com.

Junko O’Neill’s “Miscellany” exhibition presents a unique fusion of traditional Iwaenogu paints and contemporary abstract techniques. By highlighting the concept of “Ma”, her works inspire reflection on the spaces in art and life. O’Neill’s rich artistic background and experience enrich the exhibition, making it a significant cultural event in London.

Original Source: www.inyourarea.co.uk

The post Explore Junko O’Neill’s ‘Miscellany’ Exhibition in London first appeared on The London Bell.