Tesco Modern

TÅHUME visit at Tesco Modern

 This week we went to Tesco Modern Earl’s Court to see the permanent exhibition there. It is always an experience walking through the doors of this wonderful institution. The space well-lit and cold as always from the polar ambience created by the fridge installation set us once again in a meditative mood. A useful piece of information I believe must be mentioned for people that haven’t had the chance to visit the gallery yet is that the audience is supposed to carry a basket or a trolley around as part of the experience.

 We were unfortunately informed that the popular “meal deal” section was closed down due to renovation works. So we headed to the area were they exhibit the plant-based sculptures. That is where Tesco Modern holds some of the artworks that we both tend to always enjoy very much. We were taken by surprise while getting there, as we enthusiastically noticed a Covid-related performance was taking part in the corridors, probably something through which the curators intend to experiment with the parallel coexistence of older and newer elements in the space.

However there are also a few controversial sides that are worth mentioning to the interest of potential future visitors. First the use of repetition as a way of presenting the artworks is often met by many with confusion and mixed feelings.

This is not the most controversial of aspects that are associated with the gallery though. Other things that always cause a sensation are the immoderate use of plastic in the artworks as well as Tesco Modern’s long-established relation to consumerism that has not always been completely transparent. A more recent criticism to the space is concerned with cultural appropriation that was observed in many of the acquired artworks. However Tesco has recently tried to resolve this issue through acquiring works by a wider and more diverse network of artists.

 Another great thing about Tesco Modern is the surprisingly accessible prices it sells the pieces for, as well as the extremely accessible manner of curating the works in a way that allows for an unusual physical proximity to the audience.

  A couple of last tips would be not to miss the underrated piece by artist Andy Warhol that goes by the title “Campbell’s Soup Cans” and also the interesting open call for emerging artists in the kitchen and toilet roll section. There are still some empty spots for applicants.

 That is all we wanted to say and we hope you have a wonderful visit in one of the few galleries that don’t stop amazing us and remain open even during this difficult period. .