Peter Doig: House of Music @ Serpentine Gallery, London
Art meets soundsystem culture at the Serpentine Gallery, London
This exhibition of Peter Doig’s paintings is the perfect excuse to stroll through Hyde Park on a sunny autumnal afternoon, a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of Kensington High Street.
The first room in the Serpentine is dominated by a gigantic wooden loudspeaker, with the gentle melodica melodies of Augustus Pablo (from Peter’s personal vinyl collection) giving the gallery the feel of a chapel of rest.
The sound system is designed and built by Laurence Passera, and the huge Western Electric/Bell Labs speaker system was originally used in cinemas during the 1920s - powered by vintage tube amps.
You can lounge around and slowly soak up the vibrant & vivid Munchian colours of Peter’s artwork, inspired by his time living in Trinidad - Colourful stacks of speakers and luminous lions roam around dream landscapes.
Everyone in the gallery observes a respectful silence as they absorb the sights and sounds.
This is what all exhibitions should feel like: an almost spiritual experience.
Serpentine Gallery, London - Until 8th February 2025 ‘Maracas’ (2002-08) by Peter Doig
A Western Electric/Bell Labs loudspeaker
Augustus Pablo LP with ramar holder
Lions roam the Port of Spain, Trinidad
LPs spin from Doig’s personal collection