A site-specific commission by Ranjani Shettar is coming to Barbican this Autumn

The Barbican has announced an exciting plan to feature a site-specific commission by Indian sculptor Ranjani Shettar in its iconic Conservatory this autumn.

Image: Barbican Conservatory, Barbican Centre. © MTotoe

Titled Cloud Songs on the Horizon, this will mark Shettar's first major institutional show in Europe and will showcase a series of new, large-scale suspended sculptures throughout the Conservatory's expansive 23,000 square foot space. Inspired by the complexity of nature, Shettar's handcrafted sculptures will utilise materials like wood, stainless steel, muslin, and lacquer, incorporating techniques derived from traditional Indian crafts. This ambitious project, realised in partnership with the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, signifies the Barbican's commitment to showcasing world-class contemporary art within its renowned architectural setting.

Image: Barbican Conservatory, Barbican Centre. © MTotoe

Shanay Jhaveri, the Barbican's Head of Visual Arts, spearheads this initiative to invite artists from around the globe to create new works that engage with the Barbican's unique public spaces. With Shettar's installation as the inaugural commission, the Barbican aims to cultivate a series of site-specific collaborations that challenge and inspire audiences. This exciting program seeks to bridge disciplines, periods, and cultures, providing diverse and stimulating art experiences for visitors. Shettar's commission will be open to the public free of charge, with extended visiting hours and special late-night openings on Fridays to allow visitors to immerse themselves in the Conservatory's enchanting atmosphere. Additionally, the space will be dedicated to community and school groups on specific dates, transforming it into an educational hub.

Image: Barbican Conservatory, Barbican Centre. © MTotoe

Shanay Jhaveri expresses his enthusiasm for Shettar's installation, emphasising the Barbican's commitment to hosting important and innovative artwork that engages with the architectural legacy of this modernist icon. Shettar's unique artistic language, characterised by her sensitivity to materials and ecological consciousness, perfectly aligns with the Barbican's vision of presenting thought-provoking installations. Kiran Nadar, Founder and Chairperson of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, praises Shettar's talent and applauds the collaborative effort to bring visibility to Indian and South Asian artists worldwide. Shettar's commission is a testament to Jhaveri's dedication to curating a diverse international program that showcases outstanding artists across various platforms within the Barbican, including the Barbican Art Gallery and The Curve.

Date: from 10 September 2023. Location: Barbican Conservatory, Barbican Centre Silk St London EC2Y 8DS. Price: Free. Book now.