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This summer, the Barbican Centre is going to be taken over by a massive immersive film and art exhibition. The theme of the exhibit is simply the future, with a bit of science fiction thrown in for good measure.
BAFTA-nominated film-maker, artist, and ‘speculative futurist’ Liam Young is the man responsible for the exhibition. Called In Other Worlds, this will be Young’s first major solo show in the UK. He’ll be collaborating with artists working in the mediums of TV, film and graphic novels, as well as scientists, musicians and costume designers. Creators behind the likes of Westworld, Fallout, Blue Eye Samurai, Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, The Handmaid’s Tale and Andor are all contributing works to the mega exhibit.
Artists will transform the centre with pieces exploring imagined futures and real ones, spanning themes including dystopia, sci-fi, climate change and science. On display will be films, soundscapes, costumes, literature and immersive installations. All of this will take over three locations within the Barbican Centre, including the Silk Street Entrance, The Curve and Car Park 5.
Liam Young, Artist and Director, said: ‘I am delighted to be able to present my first major UK solo exhibition experience at the Barbican and feel honoured to be joined by so many world class collaborators. We have always learned about the future through stories.
‘Imaginary Worlds aren’t concerned with predicting the future, instead they prepare us for it. Within their fictional streets and speculative landscapes, we rehearse new ways of living, new relationships between humans and machines, between cities and the living Earth, between extinction and survival. We can glimpse the beliefs that build worlds and those that end them.’
In Other Worlds will run from May 21 until September 6 2026.
ICYMI: Everything you need to know about the huge £231 million makeover of London’s Barbican.
Plus: The Barbican has announced a nightlife programme with parties until 3am.
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