Tanoa Sasraku's 'Tropical Ken' Solo Show at Vardaxoglou
The Vardaxoglou gallery showcases 'Tropical Ken', a solo exhibition by Tanoa Sasraku, who is currently nominated for the Turner Prize. This exhibition marks Sasraku's third solo presentation with the gallery and aligns with the Turner Prize 2026 exhibition at the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA). The display includes new sculptures that delve into themes of tropical leisure, militarism, and colonial history. Sasraku references Mattel's Ken dolls from the 1980s, particularly the 'Army Ken' from the 1992 Gulf War, blending military aesthetics with tropical kitsch and Western adventurism. The pieces feature deconstructed combat attire from Vietnam, the Middle East, and Afghanistan, transformed into layered newsprint torsos with camouflage patterns created through a domestic tanning technique. The exhibition is currently open at Vardaxoglou in London.
Key facts
- Tanoa Sasraku is a current Turner Prize nominee.
- Exhibition titled 'Tropical Ken' is Sasraku's third solo show with Vardaxoglou.
- Coincides with Turner Prize 2026 exhibition at Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA).
- New sculptures explore tropical leisure, militarism, and colonial memory.
- Inspired by Mattel's 1980s Ken dolls and 'Army Ken' from 1992 Gulf War.
- Combat clothing from Vietnam, Middle East, and Afghanistan conflicts is used.
- Camouflage patterns are 'tanned' onto newsprint using a domestic tanning process.
- Exhibition is at Vardaxoglou gallery in London.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Vardaxoglou
- Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA)
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Middlesbrough