Compton Verney - Exhibitions
The TAOTIE
After an 18-month residency at Compton Verney, Gayle Chong Kwan (b.1974) presents an exhibition of her new work alongside Compton Verney’s internationally renowned Chinese collection of bronze food and wine vessels from the Shang Dynasty (about 1500 – about 1050 BCE) to the Ming Dynasty (1369 – 1644 CE).
The artist, known for large scale installations of videos and photos, has created seven new photographic works, responding to the collection during her residency. They are accompanied by ‘shrines’ made up of newly cast bronze offerings, and incorporate references to Chinese, Taoist and Buddhist cultures, as well as focusing on ideas around food, soil and the body.
The title of the exhibition refers to a Chinese mythical creature that would commonly be emblazoned on Shang Dynasty bronzes. She has made her own personal three-dimensional taotie motifs, made from collaged images and photographs, all different shapes and sizes. Each work will refer to a different Chinese animal of the zodiac, as well as drawing upon the myths of the Hungry Ghost festival, common in East Asian countries in which spirits of deceased ancestors rise.
The ambitious show will explore sustenance, memory and rituals, while also directly highlighting the politics and provenance of collections and museums in the modern age.
Gayle Chong Kwan is undertaking an artist residency with Compton Verney as part of the 20/20 project, led by the UAL Decolonising Arts Institute and supported by funding from Arts Council England, the Freelands Foundation and University of the Arts London.
BOOK HERE:
https://www.comptonverney.org.uk/whats-on/the-taotie/
Exhibition runs until March 2026
Sinister Stratford Guided Walking Tour
Be entertained on this walk around the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon to hear tales of plague, murder, ghosts, beatings, witches, sewage and grave-robbing.
Sinister Stratford Guided Walking Tour
Be entertained on this walk around the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon to hear tales of plague, murder, ghosts, beatings, witches, sewage and grave-robbing.
Sinister Stratford Guided Walking Tour
Be entertained on this walk around the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon to hear tales of plague, murder, ghosts, beatings, witches, sewage and grave-robbing.
Sinister Stratford Guided Walking Tour
Be entertained on this walk around the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon to hear tales of plague, murder, ghosts, beatings, witches, sewage and grave-robbing.
Infinite Variety: Shakespeare's female characters in objects and words
The new exhibition, Infinite Variety: Shakespeare's female characters in objects and words, at Shakespeare’s New Place is part of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust's multi-year project, The Women Who Made Shakespeare.
Big Picture Film Festival New event
The Sixth Big Picture Film Festival returns to Stratford-upon-Avon this August at various venues around the town as well as some fringe events in villages around the district! This year’s theme is “Connection and Disruption” (Dates and times vary).
Sundays at New Place
New Place - Stratford-upon-Avon
Enjoy a different hands-on activity every Sunday over the Warwickshire School holidays in the garden of Susanna Shakespeare’s home.
Waterstones Event
Join us for a hellish evening packed with fun activities and chances to win exclusive Katabasis goodies!
Infinite Variety: Shakespeare's female characters in objects and words
The new exhibition, Infinite Variety: Shakespeare's female characters in objects and words, at Shakespeare’s New Place is part of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust's multi-year project, The Women Who Made Shakespeare.
Stratford Town Walk
Join the DAILY, award-winning Stratford Town Walk (established 2002) for an entertaining guided walk through the charming streets of Stratford upon Avon.
Infinite Variety: Shakespeare's female characters in objects and words
The new exhibition, Infinite Variety: Shakespeare's female characters in objects and words, at Shakespeare’s New Place is part of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust's multi-year project, The Women Who Made Shakespeare.