Amar Kanwar's Serpentine North Exhibition Forces Viewers Into Darkness
Amar Kanwar's exhibition at Serpentine North in London begins in almost complete darkness, compelling attendees to wait at the entrance for their eyes to acclimate. Upon entering, they encounter ethereal screens showcasing ephemeral visuals: a peacock grooming its damp plumage, dried blossoms nestled in a wooden bowl, and sunlight shimmering on water. Accompanying these images are parable-like narratives, including one about a landlord facing consequences for failing a beggar and another about two friends who escape a massacre while debating the moon by the river. Spanning over 40 years of poetic filmmaking, Kanwar's work explores themes from the decline of empires to sexual violence. The Guardian's review, dated September 22, 2026, describes the experience as immersive and challenges viewers to confront the darkness.
Key facts
- Amar Kanwar's exhibition is at Serpentine North, London.
- The show opens in complete darkness, forcing visitors to wait until their eyes adjust.
- Floating screens display images such as a peacock preening wet feathers, dried flowers in a wooden bowl, and sunlight on water.
- Texts accompanying the images tell parables, including one about a landlord punished for breaking a promise to a beggar and another about two friends who survive a massacre while arguing over the moon by a river.
- Kanwar has been making lyrical films for over 40 years.
- His work addresses topics from the end of empire to sexual brutality.
- The exhibition focuses on parts of gruesome stories that are often missed.
- The Guardian review was published on September 22, 2026.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Serpentine North
- The Guardian
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom