“Soil – The World Under Our Feet” at Somerset House

Dear Readers, there is a positive plethora of interesting exhibitions on in London at the moment – it’s almost as if the universe knows that I’m getting close to my Open University exam and so is taunting me with all these good things. I will definitely try to report back on at least some of them, but in the meantime, here’s a round up of nature-related exhibitions in London during the next few months.First up is “Soil – The Earth Under Our Feet” at Somerset House on the Strand – it’s open now and runs until 13th April. The blurb says:

“This groundbreaking exhibition unites visionary artists and thinkers from around the world to explore the remarkable power and potential of soil. Through a range of artworks, artefacts and innovative approaches, visitors are invited to reconsider the crucial role soil plays in our planet’s health. The exhibition delivers a message of hope and urgency, encouraging a more sustainable, harmonious relationship with the Earth—if we choose to act now. “

Exhibitions at Somerset House are often an intriguing mixture of art and science, and they are often a lot of fun, with all manner of installations and other shenanigans.

Fly Agaric I by Marshmellow Laser Feast © David Parry, PA Media Assignments

Then a reader recently reminded me about an exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in West London – “Flowers – Flora in Contemporary Art and Culture”. This is what the gallery has to say on the subject:

Flowers have, throughout history, inspired artists, writers and creatives. FLOWERS – FLORA IN CONTEMPORARY ART & CULTURE seeks to reveal the myriad ways that flowers continue to be depicted by artists and their omnipresence within our contemporary culture. Occupying two floors and over nine major gallery spaces, this exhibition features large-scale installations, original art, photography, fashion, archival objects and graphic design exploring the ongoing influence of flowers on creativity and human expression.

Aside from studies of their inherent beauty and drama, flowers are also utilised as symbols, signifiers or metaphors for human emotions and impulses.  Flora lies at the heart of myths and stories that inform our cultural outlook and language. Recognised as unparalleled objects of beauty in nature, artists continue to evoke the power and beauty of flora to convey a multitude of messages and meanings. 

Over 500 unique artworks and objects are on display throughout the exhibition, divided into nine sections – from Roots, In Bloom, Flowers and Fashion, Science: Life & Death, to New Shoots – each exploring different creative themes and media.

One room is entirely devoted to a bespoke installation piece by Rebecca Louise Law, made up of over 100,000 dried flowers, while another is transformed into a digital projection space featuring interactive work of the pioneering French artist Miguel Chevalier.

It all sounds very Instagram-worthy, and they are advising visitors to pre-book. This one runs until 5th May, so there’s a little more time to catch it if it appeals.

“Flowers’ by Matt Chung at the Saatchi Gallery

And here’s advance notice that on 2nd May “Unearthed – The Power of Gardening” will be opening at the British Library. The exhibition will include the only surviving illustrated collection of herbal remedies from Anglo-Saxon England, and the world’s first gardening manual, from 1564. The exhibition will run until 10th August 2025.

The exhibition’s focus is described below:

“From rural and urban gardens and allotments to indoor gardens and windowsills, the exhibition delves into how the act of gardening heals and sustains people in a multitude of ways. It explores how gardening brings people together, empowers communities and shapes our relationship with the natural world. It also considers gardening as a form of activism, as a means of challenging land ownership and highlighting social disparities, as well as the consequences of the international movement of plants for the environment and human societies.”

Sunflower illustration from “Unearthed” at the British Library

So, lots to see and do, and do let me know if you’ve already been to any of these exhibitions, and what you think!