Langlands & Bell: Degrees of Truth ★★★★ Sir John Soane's Museum - FREE | Until May 31, 2020


John Soane's house is the environment of an architect whose own work was to create interesting space that was inhabited by others. This exhibition of pieces by artists Ben Langlands and Nikki Bell sets up a dialogue with Soane's space and collection of artefacts that is thoroughly fascinating. Two of the over thirty works in the exhibition were created especially for it: Grand Tour and Globe Table. They both look at the interconnected world that we inhabit and monuments of today while contrasting them to Soane's world view and his valued architectural influences. Like all Langlands & Bell's work they focus on relationships, personal and spatial, thus echoing Soane's own preoccupations. For us, one of the most striking pieces was not created for the exhibition but was a fitting introduction to it. The House of Osama bin Laden (2003), an interactive computer animation/data projection, with its stark, simplified perspective provides a brilliant contrast to the delightful clutter and eclecticism that typifies Soane's approach to his life and environment. For us this museum has always been about someone who takes pleasure in the questions posed by life and culture rather than seeking the complacency of easy answers. The house bespeaks a man of curiosity and indefatigable interest in his world. The Langlands & Bell exhibition sets up a conversation with the permanent collection which provokes many questions. Indeed, it offers the kind of stimulation that we're sure Soane's would have enjoyed. Don't miss it!

Reviewed by J.C.
Image: Interlocking Chairs by Langlands & Bell, 1995. Photographer: Gareth Winters.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆ 

WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until May 31, 2020
Wed - Sun: 10 am - 5 pm
Sir John Soane's Museum
Nearest tube: Holborn

Most Popular

Skid/SAABA ★★★★★ Sadler's Wells Theatre | May 11 - 13, 2023

Eurovision (Your Decision) ★★★★ Wonderville | Apr 29 - May 13, 2023

The Secret Life of Bees ★★★★ Almeida Theatre | Apr 8 - May 27, 2023

The Circle ★★★★★ Orange Tree Theatre | Apr 29 - Jun 17, 2023

Glory Ride ★★★ Charing Cross Theatre | Until July 29, 2023

TONY! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] ★★★★ Leicester Square Theatre | Apr 15 - May 21, 2023

Nul Points! ★★★ Union Theatre | Apr 26 - May 20, 2023

Aspects of Love ★★★ Lyric Theatre | May 12 - Nov 11, 2023

Brokeback Mountain ★★★★★ @sohoplace | May 10 - Aug 12, 2023

Rose ★★★★ Ambassadors Theatre | May 23 - Jun 18, 2023

The City Life Magazine | Reviews & Ratings