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Chiharu Shiota's Threads of Life exhibition transforms Hayward Gallery with immersive thread installations

exhibition · 2026-03-21

The Hayward Gallery will host Chiharu Shiota's inaugural major solo exhibition in London, titled Threads of Life, from 17 February to 3 May 2026. The Japanese artist, who resides in Berlin, utilizes red, black, and white threads to create immersive spaces that engage with the gallery's Brutalist design. This exhibition showcases updated versions of her previous installations, including During Sleep (2002) and The Locked Room (2016), reminiscent of her work at the 2015 Venice Biennale. Born in Osaka in 1972, Shiota studied at Kyoto Seika University and was mentored by Marina Abramović. This event marks her return to the Hayward Gallery following her 2009 exhibition, Walking in My Mind, and delves into themes of life, death, and human relationships shaped by her personal journey.

Key facts

  • Chiharu Shiota's Threads of Life exhibition runs from 17 February to 3 May 2026 at Hayward Gallery in London
  • This is Shiota's first major solo exhibition in a London public gallery
  • The exhibition features immersive installations using red, black, and white threads that respond to the Brutalist architecture
  • Shiota created her first installation work, Becoming Painting, in 1994 in Canberra, Australia
  • The artist studied at Kyoto Seika University and trained under Marina Abramović
  • Shiota previously exhibited at Hayward Gallery in the 2009 group show Walking in My Mind
  • The exhibition includes The Locked Room (2016) and new iterations of During Sleep (2002)
  • Shiota represented Japan at the 56th Venice Biennale in 2015 with The Key in the Hand

Entities

Artists

  • Chiharu Shiota
  • Marina Abramović
  • Yin Xiuzhen

Institutions

  • Hayward Gallery
  • Kyoto Seika University
  • Japan Pavilion at 56th Venice Biennale
  • KAAT Kanagawa Arts Theatre
  • Musée du Pavillon de Vendôme
  • Musée des Tapisseries
  • Chapelle de la Visitation
  • DACS
  • Aesthetica Magazine
  • Japan Pavilion at Venice Biennale
  • Kunstmuseum Luzern
  • MOCA Jacksonville

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Berlin
  • Germany
  • Osaka
  • Japan
  • Kyoto
  • Canberra
  • Australia
  • Venice
  • Italy
  • Yokohama
  • Aix-en-Provence
  • France
  • Lucerne
  • Florida

Sources