Asim Waqif: वेणु [Venu]

Impressive installation/pavilion outside the Hayward Gallery by Asim Waqif.

The piece consists of poles and strips of bamboo woven together and supported by steel. Evidently the piece was improvised over 10 days. It is billed as a place of contemplation but that is a bit hard when it also has sticks with which to hit the poles to use them as musical instruments.

I love the contrast of the natural materials against the brutalist concrete of the gallery and the way it entices you to walk through.

This is the third annual commission presented in partnership with the Bagri Foundation to bring new public artworks by artists from or inspired by Asia and its diaspora to the Southbank Centre.

Closes 22 October 2023


 

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