Annette Messager's Retrospective at Hayward Gallery Emphasizes Early Works

The Hayward Gallery in London is the concluding venue for Annette Messager's retrospective, which has previously traveled through France, Finland, South Korea, and Japan. Curated by Coline Milliard, this exhibition highlights earlier works, inviting audiences to revisit creations such as Collection pour trouver ma meilleure signature (1972) and Ma collection de châteaux (1972). The showcase spans from Les Pensionnaires (1971-72) to Cadavre exquis (2007) and Casino (2005), the latter having received the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale. Messager's artistic exploration delves into themes of identity and the complexities of maturation. Key works include Le Bonheur illustré (1975-76) and the Vœux series, especially Mes vœux (1989) and Carte du tendre (1990), which enrich the dialogue on desire and identity.