Delcy Morelos's Earth Pavilion Opens at Barbican Sculpture Court

Delcy Morelos, a Colombian artist, has presented 'origo,' an earthy, oval-shaped pavilion in the Sculpture Court of the Barbican Centre in London, marking the first new artwork there in ten years. This immersive installation delves into the material culture of indigenous South America and Andean worldviews, which perceive nature as a living entity. The term 'origo' is derived from Latin, meaning 'origin,' and the pavilion spans roughly 79 by 59 feet (24 by 18 meters). Its handmade facade consists of clay, soil, hay, plant seeds, cinnamon, and cloves, with the spices serving as antifungal agents and stimulating olfactory memories. Designed to evolve with London's weather, the pavilion invites visitors through two triangular entrances into a tunnel that leads to a central patio for activities such as tai chi. This work interacts with the Barbican's Brutalist architecture by Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, adding curves and life to the stark concrete environment. Entry is free until July 31. Additionally, the Barbican Centre is set to undergo a $255 million (£191 million) renovation, which received approval from the City of London Corporation in December 2025.