Es Devlin-Face To Face

Somerset House: Curated by Ekow Eshun, in partnership with The Courtauld, King’s College London, and UK for UNHCR, Es Devlin’s FACE to FACE: 50 Encounters with Strangers is displayed across three rooms and will include a recreation of the artist’s studio, a new edition of CONGREGATION, and painted LED and projection-mapped portraits.

Devlin’s work combining installation and projection is extensive. This made it a fantastic opportunity to experience it in situ. I had heard about the original ‘Congregation’ installation at St Mary’s In The Field, so this version served as an exhibition that highlighted the work and technology behind that project.

Mind-blowing.

The exhibition provided a snapshot of her studio. The drawings, sketches, and installations gave an in-depth view of her process and research methods.

What did I like most? The intimate nature of the projections. Nothing large and overbearing here. Simple and appropriate to the personal stories from a collection of ‘immigrants’ and their experience of this relocation to London!

The sound Devlin chose to sit with the narration was refreshingly uplifting for such an emotive subject.

Another great ‘free’ exhibition worthy of a visit.