Matter as Actor at Lisson Gallery Explores Human-Material Relations
The exhibition "Matter as Actor," curated by Greg Hilty, is currently at Lisson Gallery’s two locations in London—Bell Street and Lisson Street. It delves into how humans interact with materials while also questioning colonial ideas and the concept of agency. Featuring twelve artists and collaborations, such as Allora & Calzadilla, Dana Awartani, and Otobong Nkanga, the show includes talents from various countries like Saudi Arabia, China, and the USA. Notable pieces on display are Kyambi's "Entity Costume" (2011), Nkanga's "Solid Maneuvers" (2015), and Zhou's "Flowing Toxins" (2020). You can visit the exhibition until June 24.
Key facts
- Exhibition titled 'Matter as Actor' at Lisson Gallery's Bell Street and Lisson Street locations in London
- Curated by Greg Hilty
- Features 12 artists and duos: Allora & Calzadilla, Dana Awartani, Revital Cohen & Tuur Van Balen, D Harding, Irmel Kamp, Syowia Kyambi, Richard Long, Otobong Nkanga, Yelena Popova, Lucy Raven, Zhan Wang, Feifei Zhou
- Artists represent Saudi Arabia, China, Puerto Rico, USA, Kenya, UK, Germany, Belgium, Australia
- Hilty cites anthropologist Tim Ingold: 'properties of materials are not attributes, but histories'
- Kyambi's 'Entity Costume' (2011) uses Kamba weaving method with tea- and coffee-stained fabric, cowrie shells, beads, paint, clothes hangers, sisal
- Nkanga's 'Solid Maneuvers' (2015) comments on mining impacts in Namibia
- Zhou's 'Flowing Toxins' (2020) maps Jakarta's industrial infrastructure and pollution
- Awartani's 'Come, let me heal your wounds...' (2019) uses naturally dyed silk from Kerala with herbs and spices, representing violence and repair
- Exhibition runs until 24 June
Entities
Artists
- Allora & Calzadilla
- Dana Awartani
- Revital Cohen & Tuur Van Balen
- D Harding
- Irmel Kamp
- Syowia Kyambi
- Richard Long
- Otobong Nkanga
- Yelena Popova
- Lucy Raven
- Zhan Wang
- Feifei Zhou
- Greg Hilty
- Tim Ingold
Institutions
- Lisson Gallery
Locations
- London
- Bell Street
- Lisson Street
- Saudi Arabia
- China
- Puerto Rico
- USA
- Kenya
- UK
- Germany
- Belgium
- Australia
- Namibia
- Jakarta
- Kerala