Exhibition: Wellcome Collection “On Happiness”
Tackling topics such as how people experience happiness, how joy can help us through adversity, self-care and the link between emotional and physical health, the Wellcome Collection’s latest twin exhibitions Joy and Tranquillity offer an eclectic and thought-provoking range of multi-sensory artwork and historical artefacts, inviting us to explore our perceptions on happiness.
Starting downstairs, Tranquillity explores contemporary and historic wellness practices, as well as the healing qualities of time in nature. Turning a critical eye on the multi-billion wellness industry, artist Jasleen Kaur takes aim at culturally and environmentally exploitative practices—such as healing crystals, incense and yoga—which have largely been divorced of their indigenous roots to cater to a predominantly wealthy, white audience. Later on, you move through Chrystel Lebas’ immersive forest photography exhibition, complete with a sound bath of gurgling water and the scent of pine. While definitely tranquil given the chaos of central London outside, it is slightly jarring given the artificiality of this, compared to time spent in nature.
Image Credit: Wellcome Trust
Tranquility
Upstairs, you move on to Joy. While slightly less cohesive than the Tranquillity exhibition, Joy looks at “euphoric experiences and the effect of positive emotion on the body.” Perhaps particularly relevant in the pandemic, one video exhibition by Harold Offeh of people dancing while in quarantine asks the viewer: how does joy bring us together through adversity? Elsewhere, historical depictions show ritual interpretation of joy, such as Holi, the whirling dervishes of Sufism, as well as David Shrigley’s trademark cynical illustrations. The exhibition finishes off with an “emotional check-in” wall named “Updating Happiness,” featuring quotes from members of the public on what brings them joy. You can even create your own quote here.
Image Credit: Wellcome Trust
From the Joy collection
Taking a unique, critical and sometimes cynical look at happiness in all its forms, these twin exhibitions are definitely worth a visit if you’re looking at things to do in London. You can book a free visit on the Wellcome Collection’s website.
