A major new exhibition exploring the irresistible force of cuteness in contemporary culture.
From emojis to internet memes, video games to plushie toys, food to loveable robotic design, cuteness has taken over our world. But how has something so charming and seemingly harmless – adorable, doe-eyed animals, chubby-cheeked babies, flowers, hearts, stars, sweets and other such romantic motifs – gained such traction?
CUTE brings together contemporary artworks, including new artist commissions, and cultural phenomena such as music, fashion, toys, video games and social media, in this brand-new show examining the world’s embrace of cute culture and how it has become such an influential measure of our times. It will seek to unravel cuteness’ emotive charge, revealing its extraordinary and complex power and potential.
Contributing artists include Mark Leckey, Sean-Kierre Lyons, AYA TAKANO, Mike Kelley, Karen Kilimnik, Nayland Blake, Cosima von Bonin, Hannah Diamond, Ed Fornieles, Juliana Huxtable, Rachel Maclean, Julien Ceccaldi, Paige K. B., Isaac Lythgoe, Alake Shilling, Wong Ping, Liv Preston, CFGNY, Ram Han, Maggie Lee, Bunny Rogers, Flannery Silva, Andy Holden, plus Somerset House Studios artists Chris Zhongtian Yuan, Sin Wai Kin and Sian Fan.
The exhibition will feature a games arcade for all ages and will spotlight and celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of Cute’s most iconic and ubiquitous figures, Hello Kitty, in partnership with Sanrio.
| Duration | 25 January 2024 - 14 April 2024 |
| Times | Tue 10.00 - 18.00 (last entry 17.00) Wed 10.00 - 18.00 (last entry 17.00) Thu 12.00 - 21.00 (last entry 20.00) Fri 12.00 - 21.00 (last entry 20.00) Sat 10.00 - 18.00 (last entry 17.00) Sun 10.00 - 18.00 (last entry 17.00) |
| Cost | £18.50/Concessions from £11 |
| Venue | Somerset House |
| Address | The Strand, London, WC2R 1LA |
| Contact | / info@somersethouse.org.uk / www.somersethouse.org.uk |