Cathy's Art Diary

Strange installation in the Edmond J Safra Fountain Court at Somerset House by Tai Shani. The main work was a giant, blue, sleeping, princess style figure in a glass box. As you got close to it you realised it appeared to be gently breathing. Reading the blurb it was meant to represent an archetypal, fairytale figure who has slept through the violence of colonialism, economic inequality and environmental collapse. I must admit I don’t think I would have understood any of that from the figure but I did find it quite mesmeric and compelling. The work was accompanied by a radio channel interviewing people on new ways of being collectively and a flag on the top of the venue. Closed 14 September 2025 Review Evening Standard

Refreshing exhibition at Somerset House curated by Taylor LeMelle. I say refreshing as the commentary says it has no theme in particular and it is about anything. “It is about the viewer’s appreciation of whatever connections exist between their own life experience and these works.” Am I showing my age to say to me it said 1970s living room? The wallpaper was commissioned for the site by Mani Kambo and is a three woodblock print. The chairs came from other rooms in the building. The pictures on the walls are a series of prints by Tai Shani called The Neon Hieroglyph. I’m not sure I understood them but it this context they were attractive. Closes 20 November 2022