Inside Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere, daylight is replaced by a hushed, almost reverent darkness. Spotlights pierce the gloom, highlighting individual works with dramatic intensity. A low, rhythmic chanting echoes through the vast space, creating a sense of mystery and anticipation. This immersive introduction sets the stage for the captivating mid-career survey of Bahamian artist Tavares Strachan.
Strachan’s work is a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse media – sculpture, collage, neon installations and multimedia experiences. The unifying thread is a commitment to celebrating the invisible – unsung explorers and cultural pioneers whose stories have been lost, marginalised, or deliberately erased by history’s biased gaze.
As you wander through the exhibit, monumental sculptures command attention – huge stone heads, bright acrylic boxes, skeletal neon drawings. Their bold forms and unexpected materials stimulate and challenge the viewer.
A highlight of the exhibition is installed within the upper galleries. Here, viewers enter a transformed space, their senses immediately bombarded with a unique blend of stimuli. The floor crunches underfoot, a gritty texture created by a thick layer of iron oxide. In the centre stands a towering structure made of straw, its organic form offering a stark contrast to the industrial surroundings. A pungent aroma fills the air – a mix of hay and minerals, both earthy and unexpected. As you approach the hay structure, a recording of Gil Scott-Heron‘s Whitey on the Moon crackles in the background. The lighting also plays a crucial role in orchestrating this multi-sensory experience. Fading in and out, it creates a sense of revelation. One moment, the space is enveloped in darkness, the only guide being the faint scent of hay. Next, a shaft of light illuminates the sheet music hanging from the ceiling like constellations. The faded notes display stories of forgotten musical legacies. Both jarring and thought-provoking, the scene prompts the viewer to question who gets to write our historical narratives.
The impact of the exhibition lingers long after leaving. Strachan’s artistry leaves you questioning the histories you take for granted, prompting you to seek out the voices that have been silenced. With each thought-provoking installation, he shines a light on the overlooked corners of history, reminding us that even in the darkest space, there’s always a spark worth finding.
Featured Image – Inner Elder (Nina Simone as Queen of Sheba), 2023 Ceramic. Courtesy of the Artist and Marian Goodman Gallery.
Review by Amy Melling
Read Amy’s latest Review: East London Shakespeare Festival’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ – An evening of laughter, romance and deception under the stars – until 4 Aug – Abundant Art
‘Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere’ was showing at Hayward Gallery until 1st September 2024.
Coming soon at Hayward Gallery Haegue Yang: Leap Year – 9 Oct 2024 – 5 Jan 2025 For more information visit Southbank Centre
Arranged into five thematic zones, Leap Year will illuminate Yang’s multifaceted and inventive practice from the early 2000s to today, bringing together installation, sculpture, collage, text, video, wallpaper and sound across her most notable series.
