Emajendat, by Lauren Halsey at the Serpentine Gallery is a full-on blast of joy and celebration. The title says it all.
This is a testament of love to the culture and vitality of South Central Los Angeles, home to the artist and her family for generations, a “funky garden” made within the setting of Kensington Gardens.
I felt as if I were in a musical fantasy-land, finding out later that we were in a life-sized version of one of Halsey’s constructions, several of which were housed here in “funky rocks”.
The acrylic nailed hands beckoned offering nest-like seating (obviously not permitted in the show)
and everything shimmered within the CD-lined walls and floor.
It really felt gorgeous and glamorous – such a contrast to the cold, grey day outside.
