Lubaina Himid and Magda Stawarska Reimagine Zanzibar at Lisson Gallery
From June 4 to August 22, 2026, Lisson Gallery's Lisson Street location in London will showcase a fresh version of 'Zanzibar' (1999-2023), created by Lubaina Himid and Magda Stawarska. This immersive exhibition includes nine diptychs painted by Himid in 1999, accompanied by a 38-minute complex soundtrack crafted by Stawarska in 2023. The abstract artworks reflect Himid's memories of her native Zanzibar, East Africa, and her relocation to London in 1954 following her father's passing. The eight-channel audio collage features Taraab music, opera, BBC radio snippets, and Himid’s voice. This exhibition aligns with their joint project at the British Pavilion for the 2026 Venice Biennale, continuing their collaboration that began in 2020 at WIELS, Brussels.
Key facts
- Exhibition dates: June 4 to August 22, 2026
- Location: Lisson Gallery, 67 Lisson Street, London
- Nine diptychs painted by Lubaina Himid in 1999
- 38-minute soundtrack composed by Magda Stawarska in 2023
- Himid's father died at age 33, mother was 26, Himid was 3 months old
- Himid came to London in 1954
- Soundtrack includes Taraab music, opera, BBC radio clips, and Himid's voice
- Collaboration also at British Pavilion of 2026 Venice Biennale
Entities
Artists
- Lubaina Himid
- Magda Stawarska
Institutions
- Lisson Gallery
- Hollybush Gardens
- Greene Naftali
- British Pavilion
- Venice Biennale
- WIELS
- Tate Modern
- Musée cantonal des Beaux-Arts
- Sharjah Art Foundation
- Kettle's Yard
- Mudam
- UCCA Center for Contemporary Art
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Zanzibar
- East Africa
- Brussels
- Belgium
- Lausanne
- Switzerland
- Sharjah
- United Arab Emirates
- Cambridge
- Luxembourg
- Beijing
- China