WHAT? Encounters: Giacometti x Huma Bhabha

WHERE? Barbican Centre, Level 2, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS

WHEN? Now until 10th August 

WHY GO? For ancient and contemporary vibes.  It’s fair to say that everyone has heard of Giacometti, one of the most esteemed sculptors of the 20th century, but not everyone will be familiar with the work of Pakistani-American artist Huma Bhabha. That is about to change with this intimate little exhibition that pairs the two together in contemporary terms and it is quite illuminating.

For starters, Giacometti’s legendary elongated sculptures are primarily in bronze while contemporary Bhabha carves experimentally in materials like cork and Styrofoam, but both have created distinctive figures that feel slightly surreal and strangely prehistoric. 

Inaugurating a stark new gallery space in this famous Brutalist building, this exhibition is a first all round, and will be followed up by two more displays of Giacometti sculptures alongside contemporary artists, Mona Hatoum in September and Lynda Benglis in February next year. This is an exciting opportunity to see monumental figurative sculptures from two different perspectives and especially to admire Giacometti up close and personal, arranged in partnership with the Fondation Giacometti who preserve his legacy and work worldwide.  

IN THE KNOW Should you be heading up to the Barbican Brasserie, you will get a surprise, it is now a temporary pristine white gallery space affording glorious views overlooking the famous Brutalist complex. The mission is to provide a flexible space for ongoing art events, there are exciting times ahead!