Nikita Gale's London exhibition explores climate anxiety and surveillance through sensory installation
Nikita Gale's inaugural solo exhibition in Europe, titled IN A DREAM YOU CLIMB THE STAIRS, is on display at Chisenhale Gallery in London until October 16. This immersive showcase includes four sculptures, prominently featuring three large-scale pieces that stretch from floor to ceiling. A key highlight is a velvet curtain, encased in concrete, accompanied by rotating spotlights. The exhibition delves into themes of decay and focus, utilizing concrete-cast items to challenge power structures. Conceptually, dogs influence the light sequence, with colors perceptible to them taking precedence. The title draws inspiration from Toni Morrison's 1977 work, Song of Solomon. Previously, Gale's art addressed climate change and its links to authority, urging a closer look at neglected systems amid abandonment and transformation.
Key facts
- Nikita Gale's first European solo exhibition is at Chisenhale Gallery in London
- The exhibition IN A DREAM YOU CLIMB THE STAIRS runs through October 16
- Features four sculptures including three monumental floor-to-ceiling works
- Includes concrete-cast objects: stage curtain, spotlights, and knotted dog leads
- Dogs are conceptually central with blue/yellow lights and scattered dog bowls
- Title references Toni Morrison's 1977 novel Song of Solomon
- External windows remain visible for first time in decades at Chisenhale
- Previous work DRRRUMMERRRRRR (2019) addressed climate change with water-played drums
Entities
Artists
- Nikita Gale
- Rhea Anastas
- Toni Morrison
- Homer
Institutions
- Chisenhale Gallery
- ArtReview
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Los Angeles
- United States