Past Exhibition
23 June – 25 October 2015
Brazilian artist Rivane Neuenschwander’s (b. 1967) new installation explores childhood fears, in a display of vibrant handmade capes that combines elements of drawing, textiles, design, performance and writing.
The artist worked with children aged 7 to 9 from across London to gather a collection of fears – ranging from ‘heights’ and ‘bees’, to ‘strangers’ and ‘nightmares’, and the more abstract ‘silence’.
Neuenschwander has translated the children’s drawings and texts into fabric cape designs. Associated with protection and supernatural power, the capes also echo the artists’ interest in folk traditions, children’s literature, nature, psychoanalysis, and in the rich history of modern art in her native country.
Rivane Neuenschwander: In Conversation
Thu 16 Jul, 7pm
Prompted by ideas arising from the Children’s Commission, Rivane Neuenschwander discusses her interest in psychoanalysis, childhood, and performativity with psychoanalyst Anouchka Grose.
Rivane Neuenschwander discusses her Whitechapel Gallery Children’s Commission ‘The Name of Fear’.
Pupils from Osmani Primary School and Columbia Road Primary School wear Rivane Neuenschwander’s capes and tell us about the fears that inspired the work.
During the exhibition, find a fun resource designed by artist Laura X. Carle at the Information desk, designed to help families to explore the Children’s Commission together.
Explore the exhibition with the Activity Trail and transform your fears into a paper cape.
