| Discover unsung pioneers at this eye-poppingly inventive exhibition Encyclopaedic art, 'invisible' sculptures, a ship floating on the London skyline... welcome to the fantastical world of Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere.
This mid-career survey of this exciting Bahamian artist — now open at the Southbank Centre's Hayward Gallery— is all about shining a light on unsung explorers, cultural trailblazers and histories hidden by bias, a recurring theme in Strachan's work. It's already garnered some rave reviews, with critics calling it "enthralling" (Observer ★★★★) and an "imaginative show [that] delights" (Evening Standard ★★★★).
Tickets to Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere cost from £18 as standard, but if you're under 30 years-old or a Lambeth resident you can see it for just £8 (Tuesday-Friday and after 5pm on Saturday). What's more kids under 12 go free! Hit the blue button to get booking — hurry, it disappears 1 September — or read on for a sneak peek of the art on display and associated special events. |
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| From Jamaica To The North Pole This majestic vessel on the roof of the Hayward Gallery is Tavares Strachan's Black Star Liner. Head on up to hear this 14-metre steamship blast a lively radio programme straight from Jamaica. Exploration is a common theme in Strachan's work (fun fact: the artist was the first Bahamian to reach the North Pole), from works inspired by his own arctic treks, to references to space travel. |
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| Celebrating Black Trailblazers Many of the works on display celebrate Black cultural trailblazers, such as Ruin of a Giant (King Tubby). This larger-than-life bronze sculpture pays tribute to the legendary dub pioneer. Elsewhere, you'll find ceramics that draw parallels between the Queen of Sheba and Nina Simone, plus an entire encyclopaedia on overlooked or neglected people, places and things. |
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| A Feast For The Senses Monumental new commissions, striking large-scale collages, neon works, bronze and ceramic sculptures, immersive, mixed-media installations — Tavares Strachan certainly doesn't confine himself to a single medium, and the breadth of work waiting to be discovered here is truly staggering. Take a look at the exhibition trailer to see what we mean. |
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| More To See And Do If all that's not enough for you, take a look at the Southbank Centre's range of talks and panel discussions inspired by the exhibition. This includes an event with Tavares Strachan himself, in conversation with author and academic Emma Dabiri. |
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Image credits - in order of appearance
1. Installation view of Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere. Intergalactic Palace, 2024. Photo: Mark Blower. Courtesy the artist and the Hayward Gallery.
3. Installation view of Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere. Ruin of a Giant (King Tubby), 2024. Photo: Mark Blower. Courtesy the artist and the Hayward Gallery.
4. Installation view of Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere. Jah Rastafari with Rice Field (Stacked with Pineapple, Shield and Football), 2023. Photo: Mark Blower. Courtesy the artist and the Hayward Gallery.
5. Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre. Copyright Morley von Sternberg |
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