Peter Fillingham's Basil Dress exhibition at Marian Goodman Gallery explores English nostalgia through kinetic art.
At the Marian Goodman Gallery in Paris, Peter Fillingham presents his exhibition titled Basil Dress, showcasing nine pieces crafted from repurposed materials that evoke the charm of handmade children's toys and the essence of British entertainment from the twentieth century. The highlight of the show, Fruit Salad (2025), incorporates upcycled clothing belonging to Basil Dean, the founder of ENSA and the grandfather of artist Tacita Dean, who has penned a text reflecting on her friendship with Fillingham. The exhibition's name alludes to 'Basil Dress,' the military fatigues donned by ENSA performers during World War II. Fillingham's creations intertwine formalism with theatrical elements, celebrating nostalgia and working-class culture in today's turbulent political landscape. The event is on display from 22 May to 18 July 2025.
Key facts
- Peter Fillingham's exhibition Basil Dress features nine works assembled from found materials
- The show includes Fruit Salad (2025) featuring upcycled garments that belonged to Basil Dean
- Tacita Dean contributes a text discussing her friendship with Fillingham
- The exhibition title references 'Basil Dress' military fatigues worn by ENSA performers during WWII
- Works reference kinetic artists Carlos Cruz-Diez and Jesús Rafael Soto
- The exhibition runs from 22 May to 18 July 2025 at Marian Goodman Gallery in Paris
- One interactive work allows visitors to rearrange letters, with someone spelling 'Free Palestine'
- Fillingham was born in 1964 and has a Francophile background from South England upbringing
Entities
Artists
- Peter Fillingham
- Tacita Dean
- Carlos Cruz-Diez
- Jesús Rafael Soto
- Basil Dean
Institutions
- Marian Goodman Gallery
- Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA)
- ArtReview
Locations
- Paris
- France
- United Kingdom
- South England