Gagosian to exhibit Nan Goldin's Sisters, Saints, Sibyls in former Welsh Chapel in Soho
Gagosian's second Gagosian Open presentation, showcasing Nan Goldin's 'Sisters, Saints, Sibyls,' will open in May in the historic setting of a former Welsh Chapel situated in Soho.
Nan Goldin in her Brooklyn, New York apartment, 2023. Photo: Jason Schmidt. Courtesy the artist and Gagosian.
A former Welsh chapel in Soho will become the backdrop for Nan Goldin’s evocative journey into the depths of familial bonds, societal constraints, and personal liberation. Titled Sisters, Saints, Sibyls, Goldin’s second presentation for Gagosian Open invites viewers to explore the intimate complexities of her own life, woven into the fabric of myth, history, and raw emotion. From 30 May to 23 June 2024, this unconventional exhibition offers a unique opportunity to engage with Goldin's transformative narrative within the sacred confines of a deconsecrated space.
Goldin's cinematic masterpiece, Sisters, Saints, Sibyls (2004–22), serves as the focal point of the exhibition, delving into the myth of Saint Barbara while drawing striking parallels to the artist's personal experiences. Through a three-channel projection reminiscent of classical religious triptychs, Goldin illuminates the defiance, torment, and ultimate tragedy endured by her elder sister, Barbara Holly Goldin. Barbara's tumultuous life, marked by rebellion and misunderstood identity, becomes a poignant reflection of societal fears and familial struggles, culminating in a heartbreaking journey of self-discovery and loss.
83 Charing Cross Road, London, 2024. Photo: Lucy Dawkins. Courtesy Gagosian.
For Goldin, the choice of venue is as deliberate as her artistic expression. The former Welsh chapel, steeped in history and architectural grandeur, provides a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for Goldin's visceral exploration of stigma, trauma, and resilience. Referencing nineteenth-century operating theatres, the immersive installation transforms the space into a sanctuary of reflection and remembrance, inviting viewers to confront the complexities of mental illness, addiction, and sexuality. Through Sisters, Saints, Sibyls, Nan Goldin invites us to bear witness to the untold stories hidden within the shadows of our shared humanity, highlighting the enduring power of art to heal, provoke, and inspire change.
Date: 30 May - 23 June 2024. Location: Welsh Chapel, 83 Charing Cross Road, London. Price: Free.
The Cinnamon Club had completely flown under the radar for me. It is in a pocket of London I rarely visit, and even if I did, the building’s exterior gives little indication of what’s inside. But now that I’ve discovered it, I already have plans to return with my husband - and in my mind, a list of friends I would recommend it to…