Despite the UK’s longest day flitting by this weekend, we can rejoice that summertime in London is still on our side, and certainly in our favour as the Serpentine Pavilion – which for the past 14 years has encouraged us to rejoice in the long summer days (and evenings) in the outdoors of Kensington Gardens – will open later this week.
This year the Chilean architect Smiljan Radić has constructed a semi-translucent, cylindrical structure that can only be compared in texture to that of a delicate papier mâché structure, whereby the egg-like bubble teeters on contrastingly resilient quarry stones. Softer in shape and style to that of Sou Fujimoto’s futuristic white lattice structure from last year, this ethereal pavilion is a product of one of the pavilion’s youngest artists commissioned so far. Smiljan will stand alongside previous contributors such as, Ai Weiwei (2012), Álvaro Siza (2005) Oscar Niemeyer (2003), and Zaha Hadid who designed the inaugural pavilion back in 2000 – to name but a few.
On select Friday evenings during its four month residency, the pavilion will play host to the Serpentine’s Park Nights series, which (sponsored by COS) will celebrate creative practices such as art, poetry, film and literature.
Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2014 designed by Smiljan Radić, Photograph © 2014 Iwan Baan
Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2014 Designed by Smiljan Radić Photograph © 2014 John Offenbach
Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2014 Designed by Smiljan Radić Photograph © 2014 John Offenbach
by Stephanie Clair
Serpentine Galleries Pavilion 2014 will be open to the public from June 26 – October 19, 2014.
For further information and opening times, visit serpentinegalleries.org