Atelier Rococo Recommends
Art Shows Not to Miss This Autumn
As we meander gently towards the return of early sunsets and the orange glow of October, we can’t wait to return to the warmth of the re-awakening art scene. With a wide array of exciting exhibitions to pick from, we’ve selected those that we highly recommend you make sure not to miss during your autumn walks.
Exploring self-created myths that evoke childhood nostalgia and danger, we suggest taking an afternoon to escape into Sofia Mitsola’s wonderland Aquamarina: Crocodilinan Tears at Pilar Corrias.
The new work on display follows the adventures of a mythical warrior and two sisters who inhabit a semiaquatic alternative universe of dreamy translucent colourscapes. Presenting both paintings and gestural charcoal drawings, Mitsola investigates the female form and the female gaze through the world of her invented characters.
The exhibition's title comes from the 16th-century belief that crocodiles shed tears while devouring their prey. Although the crocodilian figures are clearly predators, the female characters are not so innocent, luring and killing their way through dreamy landscapes. Subverting traditional fairytale narratives of hero vs. monster, she hopes you’ll question your assumptions. Her strong female characters are rulers and strong emancipated sexual beings - certainly not the traditional mythical heroines of Greek legends.
Evoked via hazy turpentine washes her alternative universe eludes danger, strength and innocence, highly reminiscent of the work of outsider artist Henry Darger. The second part of the exhibition sees the gallery walls lined with velvet, adding a profoundly theatrical element for the dramatic conclusion to the story. We highly recommend taking a deep breath before diving into her subaquatic fairytale.
Keeping on the aquatic theme we suggest you book a free ticket to be submerged in the immersive ‘Blue Paradox’ at White City. The 360-degree ‘sub’ immersive experience promises a gasp-worthy and educational exploration of the effects of plastic on marine life and our food chains.
Presented by SC Johnson in partnership with Conservation International, this informative, visually arresting experience is the perfect example of ‘art with an aim’ at its best. Where you may worry you might be left feeling helpless against the ever-increasing tidal wave of plastic, visitors are asked to walk away with a hope and drive towards real change while there is still time.
Taking a stroll beneath the ocean surface we get a chance to see first-hand the effects of plastics on the previously inaccessible ecosystems. Perfect for kids and adults alike this is one not to be missed, especially as for every visitor a donation will be made to Conservation International to help protect 1 sq km of ocean, so consider taking your friends and family along too!