Commodities: Sculpture and Ceramics by Renee So

Thoughtful exhibition at Compton Verney of new works by Renee So.

The show investigated how the meaning of objects can be manipulated and distorted as they travel from buyer to seller. She took inspiration from the galleries collection of Chinese bronzes.

My favourite section reproduced large versions of classic scent bottles exploring their exotic names and roots in the opium trade.

Another took the image of the silkworm onto different objects in a variety of media to explore  the intertwined histories of Chinese women, symbols of power and luxury goods.

I liked the recreation of So’s studio at the end of the show.

Closes 8 March 2026

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