Designs have been unveiled for the 21st Serpentine Pavilion in London by Chicago artist Theaster Gates with architectural support from Adjaye Associates.
Named Black Chapel, the pavilion alludes to the “performative and meditative” qualities of a small chapel, and a working bell salvaged from the demolished St Laurence Church on Chicago’s South Side will be placed next to the entrance of the pavilion and used to announce performances.
A large oculus at the top of the pavilion will bring in light, contributing to a “sanctuary-like” environment for reflection and communion.
Theaster Gates.
Image: Sara Pooley
The design also draws inspiration from the great kilns of Stoke-on-Trent and will pay homage to British craft and manufacturing traditions.
“The name Black Chapel is important because it reflects the invisible parts of my artistic practice,” said Gates.
“It acknowledges the role that sacred music and the sacred arts have had on my practice, and the collective quality of these emotional and communal initiatives. Black Chapel also suggests that in these times there could be a space where one could rest from the pressures of the day and spend time in quietude. I have always wanted to build spaces that consider the power of sound and music as a healing mechanism and emotive force that allows people to enter a space of deep reflection and/or deep participation.”
Gates used the name Black Chapel for another work, commissioned in 2019, which sought to bring black spiritual life to Haus der Kunst, a modern and contemporary art musuem in Munich originally built for the Nazi regime.
The Serpentine Pavilion selection for this year was made by Serpentine artistic director Hans Ulrich Obrist, CEO Bettina Korek, director of construction and special projects Julie Burnell, director of curatorial affairs and public practice Yesomi Umolu, and project curator Natalia Grabowska, together with advisors David Adjaye and David Glover.
Black Chapel by Chicago artist Theaster Gates with architectural support from Adjaye Associates.
Image: Theaster Gates with architectural support from Adjaye Associates
In a joint statement, Bettina Korek and Hans Ulrich Obrist said, “We are honoured to undertake this remarkable project with leading visual artist Theaster Gates. One of the most significant voices working today, Gates’ praxis combines formalism, conceptualism and powerful impact felt throughout the communities in which he works and beyond. We look forward to welcoming visitors to Black Chapel as a platform for engagement, spirituality and togetherness.”
The pavilion will open in Kensington Gardens in June.
