Amba Sayal-Bennett: Geometries of Difference

Interesting exhibition at Somerset House of work by Amba Sayal-Bennett exploring the layered architecture and history of Somerset House.

The works were powder-coated laser-cut steel reliefs shown around the various buildings. Inspired by architect Sir William Chambers’ 18th-century drawings for Somerset House she quotes fragments while reimagining them as geometric abstracts.

According to the commentary, they reflect “how the British colonial imagination and imperialist attitudes of the time were encoded in the designs of his buildings.” I’m not sure I would have got that from just looking at them but I did get the link with architectural drawings especially when sprung one beside a modern guide plan.

I liked the ways these looked against the architecture and in the space however the best presented one, at the bottom of the Nelson staircase set against a dark blue wall, had builders junk in front of it for an art fair which was being set up. Have the courtesy not to obscure the work of other artists which people may have come to see!

Closes 5 February 2023

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