Tag Archives: exhibition

Light Show, Hayward Gallery

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I’m delighted that Londoners are keen to see art exhibitions but it does mean getting tickets is a pain. The Hayward’s current exhibition, Light Show, is sold out almost every day, so tickets have to be booked in advance. It also means that when you do finally get inside you have to contend with hundreds of other visitors to see each work clearly.

Light Show explores the experiential and phenomenal aspects of light by bringing together sculptures and installations that use light to sculpt and shape space in different ways. The exhibition showcases artworks created from the 1960s to the present day, including immersive environments, free-standing light sculptures and projections. You see atmospheric installations and intangible sculptures, some that you can move around or even through. Visitors can experience light in all of its spatial and sensory forms. Individual artworks explore different aspects of light such as colour, duration, intensity and projection, as well as perceptual phenomena. They also use light to address architecture, science and film employing a variety of technologies.

Some pieces are rare not seen for decades and others have been created specially for the Hayward Gallery. It is amazing to experience and understand how light can stimulate our minds and alter our mood. I found some very beautiful and others quite disturbing, but all of them use light in innovative and creative ways that make you think.

Light Show features work by 22 artists including David Batchelor, Jim Campbell, Carlos Cruz-Diez, Bill Culbert, Olafur Eliasson, Fischli and Weiss, Dan Flavin, Ceal Floyer, Nancy Holt, Jenny Holzer, Ann Veronica Janssens, Brigitte Kowanz, Anthony McCall, François Morellet, Iván Navarro, Philippe Parreno, Katie Paterson, Conrad Shawcross, James Turrell, Leo Villareal, Doug Wheeler and Cerith Wyn Evans. Be warned that some installations in the exhibition contain artificial mist, flashing or strobe lighting, and others are sure to give you a headache if you watch for too long. I felt like I was entering another universe at times, the ethereal and glittering works certainly disorientate and surprise.

I was most stunned by Conrad Shawcross’ Slow Arc Inside a Cube IV made in 2009. This beautiful structural cage is very simple but with the gently moving light creates a complex game of ever-changing shadow and illumination, it is quite mesmerising. I also really enjoyed the special light filled rooms which feel completely immersive and are great fun to explore.

On the way out, the shop stocks examples of fabulous light objects and furniture. I fell in love with the romantic neon letters by Seletti. Buy your own individual letters for £35 each and make up any word (or work of art) you desire.

Continues until 28th April, book here.

Radio Salon, Shoreditch

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I think I’ve found a new favourite salon. In the last few years Shoreditch has grown in popularity enormously, with quirky coffee shops, independent boutiques and hip salons opening up every week. Radio Salon has something special to offer… real personality, in both the venue and the staff.

This spacious salon is located on Redchurch Street in the midst of East London activity. With a quaint cafe opposite and numerous nearby vintage stores, it is easy to spend the whole day wandering around this area. Radio has a slick modern look with clean, elegant design and fresh minimalist decor. The salon is also an art gallery, with regular exhibitions and events and ever-changing walls of work. Radio are also the flagship Bumble and Bumble store in London. Already a massive fan of this American brand of hair products, I spent a while perusing the organised shelves and admiring all the delicious shampoos, conditioners and styling creams.

The attention to detail here is impressive, I particularly loved the helpful handbag hanger clips that are secured onto the table in front of you. Soon I was secured in my protective gown and ready for my colour appointment with Sofie. We talked briefly about my desired effect, brighter and lighter dip dye, and how best to achieve it. Sofie was frank with me and explained that the tips of my hair were quite damaged and dry colour change would be tricky, but she would do the best she could.

Sofie worked her way systematically through my hair adding creamy blonde, and honey coloured highlights alternately, paying special attention to lighten the hairline. There was no time pressure which made the whole experience very relaxed, allowing me to enjoy reading Vogue while sipping my Prosecco! After a toner, the dye was washed out and I was treated to a heavenly head massage.

Upstairs Juri was waiting to cut my hair. He liked the style I had come in with, and as I was adamant about keeping the length we decided on a tiny trim, eliminating the worst split ends and making the whole hairstyle more straight and smart. I didn’t need to worry, he knew exactly what he was doing and worked swiftly. Promising me wavy locks, he twisted my hair with Bumble and Bumble surf spray and blow dried it ‘messy’. My hair seemed to miraculously double in volume.

The best salons are in Shoreditch, and after trying Radio, I think it is definitely a contender for the top spot. They offer every hair treatment, colour, cut or style you could ever want, plus an expertise and genuine passion for hair and art.

More information and book here.

www.radiohairsalon.com

Valentino, Somerset House

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I only had the chance to race round the Valentino exhibition at Somerset House. The show conveniently coincides with London Fashion Week, and I’m sure, like me, there are many journalists keen on seeing both.

This major new exhibition celebrating the life and work of Valentino showcasing over 130 exquisite haute couture designs worn by icons such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Gwyneth Paltrow in an exciting installation created specially for Somerset House.

The initial room displays photographs from his personal archive and invitations from influential fashion editors, designers and famous fans. It is interesting to observe these artefacts, the focus is shifted away from the clothes and instead offers a rare glimpse of the man, the genius behind them.

Upstairs a role reserval leads visitors down the catwalk, while they observe the dresses displayed on mannaquins on either side, including the cream organza evening ensemble with flower detailing worn by Audrey Hepburn, the white ecru georgette evening dress with lace applique worn by Jacqueline Kennedy and the black velvet and tulle evening gown with white ribbon detailing worn by Julia Roberts. Every dress has a story to tell. The catwalk seats are adorned with handwritten notes naming the influential women who have been a part of Valentino’s rise to the fashion throne.

Even if fashion is not your ‘thing,’ it is impossible not to admire these striking and sophisticated designs. I was pleased to notice that visitors ranged from keen students to animated children and adults in awe. Valentino is a designer with something for everyone to love. As you wander out, the show concentrates on the painstaking processes of crafting couture exemplified by the stunning wedding dress of Princess Marie Chantal of Greece.

I’ve seen many of the fashion related collections here but I must admit there is something special about this Valentino exhibit. And though it is a relatively small show for your £12 entry fee, the grandeur, beauty and exquisite tailoring on display is catwalk couture at its very best.

Continues until 3rd March, book here.