Magali Reus's 'Swimming by Night' at The Perimeter: A Critical Look at Consumerism

Magali Reus's solo exhibition 'Swimming by Night' is on view at The Perimeter in London until December 16, 2025. The show features works from four recent series, including 'Streamers' and 'Subs', which blend pop art's presentation of everyday objects with the finish fetish of West Coast US minimalism. The 'Streamers' are freestanding sculptures that evoke both fish skeletons and discarded Christmas trees, with their white color suggesting salt or snow. The 'Subs' are aluminium versions of pizza boxes, complete with small tripods, serving as display structures for screen-printed motifs and photographs of discarded Christmas trees on wrapping paper backgrounds. The exhibition's title hints at both aquatic movement and festivities. Reus's exacting process is evident in the diverse materials listed, such as sprayed polyester, acrylic resin, and powder-coated aluminium. The show subtly critiques the temporary indulgence of the Christmas season and its environmental consequences. Paul Carey-Kent selected this as his 'Show of the Month' for his FAD column.