Wednesday 31 August 2016

Somerset House - This month: Björk Digital, London Design Biennale and more September Highlights

What’s On at Somerset House – September 2016. Image © Richard Bryant
Björk Digital
From 1 September 2016
New Wing
Join us for Björk Digital, an immersive exhibition of digital, video and virtual reality works from Icelandic icon Björk. Including the ground breaking films Black LakeMouth Mantra VRStonemilker VRand Notget VR, the exhibition showcases Björk's work with some of the world’s finest visual artists and programmers. This European premiere includes never-before-seen work.
Björk Digital
London Design Biennale - Porky Hefer. Image © Adriaan Louw
London Design Biennale
7 - 27 September 2016
Site Wide
This September we host the very first London Design Biennale. See stunning installations from some of the world’s best designers as 37 countries and territories from six continents present newly commissioned works installed in their own room or outdoor space throughout the building. The London Design Biennale explores questions around sustainability, migration, pollution, energy and the future of cities - all in an immersive, inspiring and entertaining tour of the world.
The Singing Bridge by Claudia Molitor
9 – 25 September 2016
New Wing
Experience a newly commissioned sound work by artist Claudia Molitor as part of Totally Thames, exploring the rich and largely unearthed social history of Waterloo Bridge. Featuring new compositions by Molitor, The Singing Bridgetransforms your walk across the bridge and its surrounding paths to give you time and space to consider your relationship to this remarkable structure.
The Singing Bridge by Claudia Molitor
Hair by Sam McKnight. Image © Nick Knight
COMING SOON
Hair by Sam McKnight
From 2 November 2016
Book now for our major winter exhibition looking at the remarkable career of hair stylist Sam McKnight. Over the last forty years, Sam has been instrumental in creating the most iconic images of Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Princess Diana, among many others. This exhibition will be the first to contextualise the cultural significance of hair and the key role of the session stylist within fashion.
MORE EVENTS THIS MONTH

London Design Biennale Talks Programme
7 - 27 September 2016
Screening Room, South Wing
Throughout the Biennale there's an inspiring programme of talks by some of the world's leading designers, curators and academics. Featuring UK design team Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, MoMA curator Paola Antonelli and Richard Rogers in conversation with Biennale Director Dr Christopher Turner.

Paths to Utopia
Until 2 October 2016
Inigo Rooms, East Wing, King's College London
Paths to Utopia is a collection of new art works resulting from collaborations between artists, performers, technologists and King’s College London academics. Encounter whales, step into the housing crisis and witness the ubiquitous, transcendental pursuit of creativity. Part of Utopia 2016.

FINAL WEEKS - Georgiana Houghton: Spirit Drawings
Until 11 September 2016
The Courtauld Gallery, North Wing
★★★★★ The Guardian
Explore an astonishing series of Victorian watercolours by the long-forgotten spiritualist artist Georgiana Houghton. Detailed explanations on the backs of the works declare that her hand was guided by various spirits, including several Renaissance artists, as well as higher angelic beings.

Learning
Throughout September we explore the international design scene with London Design Biennale, who are hosting a series of talks from the world’s leading designers. We’ll also delve into the mind-bending sonic soundscape of Björk’s Biophilia album with interactive events as part of Björk Digital.

From our friends at The Photographers' Gallery
Terence Donovan: Speed of Light
Until 25 Sep
The first major retrospective of Terence Donovan (1936 - 1996), one of the foremost photographers of his generation. Gifted with an eye for iconic images, Donovan was a master craftsman whose command of technique and composition came to redefine studio photography.

From our friends at designjunction
50% discount on designjunction2016 tickets for Somerset House subscribers
22 – 25 September 2016
Designjunction2016 relocates to King’s Cross and presents the latest in cutting-edge design from more than 200 world-class international brands. Taking on the theme #ImmersedinDesign, designjunction2016 promises to deliver a multisensory, evolved design exhibition, where visitors can engage with design in a more meaningful and memorable way.