The other week I headed to Somerset House to visit a few exhibitions. Somerset House always has loads of interesting things going on, and I managed to see quite a few things, all of which were very different.
In the Lightwells and Deadhouse, in the basement of Somerset House, was the unique exhibition Museum of Water. Created by Amy Sharrocks as part of the LIFT Festival, the museum is made up of hundreds of vials of water, collected by the public. Every drop of water has significance, from the tears of grief collected after a death to holy water from the Ganges in India. It’s a fascinating exhibition, and it’s easy to spend ages just looking at the labels and finding out where all the water has come from.
I also saw Form through Colour: Josef Albers, Anni Albers and Gary Hume, an exhibition of rugs, tapestries and other fabrics. Not my usual focus of interest, but I loved the use of colour.
Return of the Rudeboy in the Terrace Rooms had pictures of individuals who embody this style in the 21st century, distinguished by sharp tailoring and impeccable grooming.
Finally, I saw an exhibition of works by a Russian artist. Viktor Popkov: Genius of the Russian Soul showcased the art of this 20th century painter. He was a Soviet artist, but his work encompassed much more than Soviet propaganda, showing the lives of the working classes in Russia and their fears, hopes and emotions.