Things Get Trippy In This Massive Free Exhibition
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Last Updated 06 October 2017
We stand barefoot on top of what looks like a zebra crossing, then the black and white stripes start to move — slowly at first, and then at pace. The digital sounds from the speakers grow more intense, and we start to feel funny on this 'fluctuating barcode / dance floor'.
This is not an artwork to experience when tired or on a full stomach, as it assaults us both visually and aurally. It's called Test Pattern by Ryoji Ikeda and it's a special commission by The Vinyl Factory at 180 Strand.
Alongside this commission, the cavernous building is hosting an exhibition of works by artists that Lisson Gallery represents, including big names such as Ai Weiwei and Anish Kapoor.
There are works across three floors and it's a massive show to get round, from the giant echo chamber suspended over our heads by Anish Kapoor to the pixellated videos by Cory Arcangel inspired by flight simulator video games.
It's great that the space is given to each work to really stand on its own. Some really need it, like a 60 metre long wall mural by Richard Long, made with his hands dipped in the mud of the River Avon, and a 25 metre wallpaper installation by Ai Weiwei.
Some of our favourites include a rolling night scene along a motorway by Julian Opie, best known for his walking figures dotted around London, and a calming sound and video installation with amoeba-like forms moving across screens all around us.
Other favourites are the disco-like light and sound installation by Haroon Mirza, where we're surrounded by different coloured lights, and a dark room where we can hear chanting from different faiths.
The headline piece can be found on the roof. It's a film by Arthur Jafa that looks at contemporary black culture including police brutality, all soundtracked to Kanye West.
Though they are not related, this exhibition will draw comparisons with last year's very popular Infinite Mix. This exhibition improves on that model by not focusing solely on video, but it's still a beast of a show and visitors will want to set aside at least a couple of hours to see it all.
The Lisson Gallery show is a mixed bag with roughly half of the works impressing us, but it's the two Vinyl Factory commissions that steal the show.
Everything At Once and The Vinyl Factory commissions are at Store Studios, 180 The Strand, WC2R 1EA. Both run until 10 December, are free entry and open Tuesday-Sunday.
