As part of its ‘This is London’ celebration and coinciding with the 20th anniversary of Frieze London, Christie’s has unveiled its first ‘artist takeover’ of its historic headquarters in St James’s.
London-based artist Lakwena Maciver was asked to respond to ‘This is London. Everchanging. Forever Captivating.’ and in the resulting work, TENDER, LOVING, CARE, Maciver uses her signature vibrant colours and clashing patterns to reflect on the role the city plays in bringing people together “from all walks of life.” She continued: “I also want to speak to the human desire to make connections through the exchange of art, ideas, values and culture when they step inside Christie’s. The installation will embody the rhythmic pace and ever-changing texture of this city.”
Maciver, who was born in London, has show internationally, in cities including Paris, Rotterdam, New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Miami, and also at Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Somerset House and the Southbank Centre.
Tessa Lord, Acting Interim Head of Department, Post-War and Contemporary Art, Christie’s, said: “King Street has been the home of Christie’s auction house for 200 years, and we are thrilled to be able to transform the building in collaboration with Lakwena Maciver – reflecting the everchanging face of the London art world.”
Anthea Peers, President EMEA, Christie’s, added: “Lakwena Maciver has reimagined the façade and reception area of Christie’s so visitors to our global headquarters will enter our building via her immersive artwork. Celebrating what makes London such a unique cultural capital, we’re delighted to reflect the vibrancy of our city.”
TENDER, LOVING, CARE by Lakwena Maciver is now on show at Christie’s London headquarters on King Street, St James’s (until 15 October).
A painting by the artist, HA-HA 8 (2022), will also be offered in the Post-War and Contemporary Art Day Sale on 14 October. It is part of a group of works being sold for the MOWAA Rainforest Gallery and the Nigeria Pavilion at the 2024 Venice Biennale. For further information: christies.com
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Image: Artist LAKWENA MACIVER (B.1986) with her painting, HA-HA 8 (2022). The painting is part of a group of works being sold for the MOWAA Rainforest Gallery and the Nigeria Pavilion at the 2024 Venice Biennale in the in the Post-War and Contemporary Art Day Sale on 14 October © Christie’s Images Limited 2023