‘Fragile’ exhibition: a fragile world through the eyes of artists

#Life

In times of extreme instability, where the familiar order collapses before our eyes and conflicts rage across the globe, the role of art as a form of commentary feels more relevant than ever. This is the message of Fragile, a new group exhibition at The Bomb Factory Art Foundation Marylebone. Afisha.London visited the show to explore what it has to offer.

Curated by Daniel Lismore, the exhibition brings together 20 international artists, each reflecting on themes of fragility and vulnerability in today’s world. At its core, Fragile examines art as a medium that expresses, overcomes, and transforms human suffering, offering a space for empathy.

Telegram канал

Among the featured works are powerful contributions from Russian and Ukrainian artists, exploring the scars of war. Nadya Tolokonnikova, co-founder of Pussy Riot, presents two series of paintings: Icons, which contemplates pain, resilience, utopia, and patriotism; and New Dark Ages, a fusion of religious iconography and sharp critiques of contemporary realities.

Photo: Instagram @benmontgomeryphotography

Konstantin Benkovich showcases an installation titled Suitcase. This work integrates multiple suitcases and bags into a single grid-like structure, symbolising the lives of those forced to leave their homes due to war. The piece poignantly highlights the tragic fates of displaced individuals, underlining the reality that, for many refugees, their suitcase and its contents are all that remain of their connection to their homeland.

Рождественский Лондон: парфюмерное путешествие сквозь время

Particularly striking is Ukrainian artist Oksana Mas’s monumental piece, Ukrainian Guernica. Inspired by Picasso’s iconic painting, the work shares the original’s dimensions — 3.5 by 7.8 metres — but evolves into a sculptural relief wrapped in black plastic sheeting, the same material used for mass graves in Ukraine. The textured surface represents bombed-out landscapes, while the gaps in the plastic where mouths would be evoke a silent yet desperate scream against the atrocities of war.

Fragile serves as a poignant reminder that creativity is perhaps the most powerful tool we have for responding to an era of uncertainty. Art offers solace in turbulent times, but it too needs support.

The exhibition runs until 8 December, from 11:00 to 17:00, at The Bomb Factory Art Foundation Marylebone, 206 Marylebone Rd, NW1 6JQ. A portion of all sales will be donated to Artists at Risk, the exhibition’s official charity partner. For more details, visit the website.

Cover photo: Instagram @benmontgomeryphotography

afisha london ван гог

Winston Churchill: descendant of a pirate, impressionist and husband to the perfect wife

Cinema is not a consolation pill: film director and screenwriter Andrey Zvyagintsev about creativity, international success, and life after a coma

Array ( [related_params] => Array ( [query_params] => Array ( [post_type] => post [posts_per_page] => 5 [post__not_in] => Array ( [0] => 118182 ) [tax_query] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [taxonomy] => category [field] => id [terms] => Array ( [0] => 831 ) ) ) ) [title] => Related Articles ) )