Louise Giovanelli's 'A Song of Ascents' at Hepworth Wakefield explores worship through large-scale curtain paintings.

Louise Giovanelli's exhibition 'A Song of Ascents' at Hepworth Wakefield showcases expansive oil paintings of curtains that fill the gallery with their vibrant neon glow and velvety textures. The collection features images of women engaged in various activities—such as drinking, kissing, and gasping—alongside hair paintings and smaller works like 'The Painting's Landlady' (2024), which employs pointillist impasto techniques. While the catalogue hints at 1980s British working men's club culture, the artworks defy straightforward narratives, instead highlighting themes of performance, spectacle, and enigma. The standout piece, 'Stoa' (2024), presents a striking green curtain accented with electric red, appearing to leap from the wall. Giovanelli, an atheist, contemplates humanity's desire for worship and 'glimmers of elevation,' referencing Psalm 130 ('De Profundis') and Oscar Wilde's letter of the same title. The exhibition is open until 21 April 2025 and was critiqued by Eliza Goodpasture in the January & February 2025 edition of ArtReview. Curator Marie-Charlotte Carrier provided insights in the catalogue, addressing the contrast between the artworks' immaculate surfaces and their connection to gritty club environments. The pieces' ambiguity allows for diverse interpretations, ranging from Renaissance drapery to modern celebrity culture, without settling on a singular meaning.