The Horror Show! at Somerset House. Photography by Stephen Chung, UK
The Horror Show! at Somerset House. Photography by Stephen Chung, UK
The Horror Show! at Somerset House. Photography by Stephen Chung, UK
UK – Somerset House is presenting The Horror Show!: A Twisted Tale of Modern Britain, a monumental exhibition exploring the past five decades in the UK through the lens of creative rebellion. The exhibition displays work by some of the country’s most subversive artists, whose work reflects the turbulent history that has moulded British culture. Visitors are taken on a journey of the supernatural, shown through tales of transgression and punk ideas.
The exhibition presents three overarching themes: Monster delves into the economic and political instability of the 1970s and 1980s, while exploring the monsters of the modern day. Ghost represents the transition into the new millennium and the uncertainty that came with the dawn of the internet. The final act, Witch, looks at the present day and the emergence of hyper-connected communities and a quest for bodily autonomy. As a genre, horror forces viewers to confront the fears that are manifest in the real world.
An air of rebellion is evident in all areas of culture. From fashion to food, consumers and brands are embracing the ugly as unease and uncertainty dominate global headlines.
Strategic opportunity
Take note of this dark shift in consumer culture and reflect on how you can cater for this. Will you lean into the darkness or offer a brighter counterpoint to it?
