Post by Jeremy Simmonds
For seven weeks cusping 2024-25, a small section of Somerset House has been converted into a facsimile of Es Devlin’s South London studio, replete with sets of charcoals, pastels, easels – and surrounded by a series of stunning portraits depicting the faces of fifty unknowns from across the globe with lives to share and stories to tell.
Devlin complements this vast selection of striking artworks with digitally crafted shots of colour and movement that serve to enhance the clear emotional effect created by the portraits themselves. And, as if this weren’t enough, a ten-minute audiovisual installation provokes our thoughts further: here, reductions of the drawings are displayed in what appears (superficially, it must be said) to resemble a conscience-pricking game of Guess Who? However, as lights begin to play randomly upon the individual faces, tales of self-discovery are recounted to the viewer in a manner that feels both engaging and highly personal. And, because these faces have, bar identifying forenames, remained anonymous to both artist and viewer alike, the overall effect left this attendee with more than a few questions – not only of those portrayed in such an individual manner, but of himself.
In these times of division and mistrust, Face To Face serves as a moment to think beyond our own boundaries and absorb a snapshot of the lives and ambitions of those whose experiences may not match our own.
Unique, idiosyncratic and highly recommended.
When: Es Devlin’s Face To Face exhibits at Somerset House between November 23 2024 and January 12 2025
Where: West Wing, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2 1LA
In collaboration with UK for UNHCR, King's College London, Somerset House and the Courtauld.
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