A new exhibition ‘Mushrooms: The art, design and future of fungi’ at the Somerset House in London celebrates the remarkable mushroom, and all the progressive, poetic and psychedelic wonder it evokes.
Bringing together the work of over 40 leading artists, designers and musicians, Mushrooms looks at fungi’s colourful cultural legacy, as well as the promise it offers to reimagine our relationship with the planet.
Highlights in this new exhibition from writer and curator Francesca Gavin include seminal American artist Cy Twombly’s collage portfolio paralleling natural world and human history, watercolours from renowned author Beatrix Potter, composer John Cage’s limited edition Mushroom Book of recipes, observations and illustrations, and inspiring works from emerging contemporary artists.
Plus, explore ground-breaking experiments in design, textiles and architecture that utilise mushrooms in exciting new ways – from upcycled agro-waste to sustainable shoes made with mycelium.
Contributing artists include Takashi Murakami, Haroon Mirza, Hannah Collins, Adham Faramawy, Annie Ratti, Simon Popper, Jae Rhim Lee, Graham Little, Seana Gavin, Perks and Mini, and Mae-ling Lokko.
‘Mushrooms: The art, design and future of fungi’ at the Somerset House
Somerset House, London; Terrace Rooms; South Wing
Free
30 Jan – 26 Apr 2020
Installation shot from Mushrooms The Art, Design and Future of Fungi © Mark Blower
Hamish Pearch, ‘Cochlea Brick Tuft’, courtesy of the artist
Beatrix Potter, Hygrophorus puniceus, pencil and watercolour, 7.10.1894, collected at Smailholm Tower, Kelso, courtesy of the Armitt Trust
Seana Gavin, ‘Mindful Mushroom’, courtesy of the artist
Seana Gavin collage works, as part of Mushrooms The Art, Design and Future of Fungi © Mark Blower
Sebastian Cox & Ninela Ivanova, Mycelium + Timber © Petr Krejci Photography
Kristel Peters, ‘Mycoschoen’, courtesy of the artist
Graham Little, ‘Untitled (Wood)’ 2019, courtesy of Alison Jacques Gallery, London
Installation shot from Mushrooms The Art, Design and Future of Fungi © Mark Blower
3. Carsten Holler, Pilzkoffer (Mushroom Suitcase) 2008, as part of Mushrooms The Art, Design and Future of Fungi © Mark Blower
Seana Gavin collage works, as part of Mushrooms The Art, Design and Future of Fungi © Mark Blower
