Anya Gallaccio’s Radical Practice Explored in Major Turner Contemporary Exhibition

As a connoisseur of art with a soft spot for the organic and ephemeral, I can hardly contain my excitement over the grand Turner Contemporary exhibition of Anya Gallaccio’s work, titled ‘preserve’. Spanning three decades of thought-provoking, nature-inspired creations, this show promises to be a visual feast for the senses.


The Turner Contemporary museum is hosting a significant display of notable British artist Anya Gallaccio, called “preserve“. (In this case, “survey exhibition” has been replaced with “significant display”, and the title of the exhibition remains unchanged.)

For more than three decades, this show presents Galaccio’s renowned pieces along with a custom-made installation tailored for the site. Known for her unique approach using transient materials such as ice, flowers, and trees, Galaccio’s art delves into topics like change, fragility, and our interaction with nature. Her creations question traditional sculpture norms by integrating natural decay or growth, providing a mirror to ponder humanity’s bond with the environment.

Additionally, the showcase underscores Kent’s picturesque countryside, featuring a fresh creation influenced by its iconic White Cliffs and chalk formations. Gallaccio reenacts significant pieces, such as her renowned gerbera wall sculpture and a tree installation that has been felled. Coinciding with the show, an educational program called An Apple a Day emphasizes Kent’s apple orchards. In this program, students participate in planting an orchard at Lees Court Estate and tour the gallery, gaining insights into nature and sustainability.

Under the guidance of Melissa Blanchflower, this exhibition marks the start of Turner Contemporary’s Art+Environment initiative. Gallaccio has also been tasked by AIDS Memory UK to establish a memorial in London, serving as a tribute and show of support for those impacted by HIV/AIDS.

Turner Contemporary
Rendezvous, Margate CT9 1HG
United Kingdom

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2024-10-04 17:56