Yto Barrada's 'Thrill, Fill and Spill' exhibition at South London Gallery explores color, ecology and erased histories

The exhibition 'Thrill, Fill and Spill' by Yto Barrada is on display at South London Gallery until January 11, 2026. It delves into the realm of creative expression through textile pieces dyed with flora from her eco-campus in Tangier, reflecting on colonial narratives associated with botanical dyes. One of her notable works, 'Colour Analysis (Tintin in Palestine, 1 and 2)' (2025), applies Emily Noyes Vanderpoel's 1902 color grid technique to Hergé's comics, tackling themes of political censorship. Additionally, 'Tangier Island Wall' (2019) connects her Moroccan roots with Virginia's Tangier Island, emphasizing climate-related challenges faced by crab fishing communities. Other pieces reinterpret Moroccan human pyramids as symbols of solidarity. Emma Ogawa Todd's residency at Barrada's Mothership inspired youth workshops, with curator Sarah Allen highlighting Barrada's multifaceted approach to community-oriented art.