The Brompton Chapel, Old Brompton Road, SW5 9JE
01 June 10:00 – 19:00 
02 June 11:00 – 19:00 

Exposed Arts Projects, 6 Drayson Mews, Kensington, W8 4LY
04 June – 09 June – 12:00 – 19:00, PV 06 June 18:00 – 21:00

08 June Workshops: 
15:00 – Creative Force Activation by Margo Trushina
16:00 – Becoming-body in Blogosphere by Dr. Sasha Burkhanova-Khabadze

ADH Gallery is delighted to present the third part of the Can I Steal Your Body? trilogy, the solo exhibition “Body Temple” by a London based artist Margo Trushina. 

The first part “Moving, Reshaping, Escaping” focused on the act of transforming a need or a desire into a tangible object – an artwork. The second part “Borderline” brought together the work of artists who explore equally the artist's body and body of artwork. 

This time “Body Temple” digs deeper into convergence of material and immaterial in artist practices. At the heart of the exhibition is the concept of the multiple bodies: physical, fluid, energetic, mediated, ecological, social, and planetary bodies as integral parts that encompass the multidimensionality of our existence. Much like revered temples serve as sanctuaries of reverence, our bodies act as vessels of experience, encapsulating the entirety of our existence-mind, body, and spirit. Every thought, emotion, and physical sensation leaves its mark upon the body, shaping its form and function in response. From shifting breathing patterns to fluctuating heart rates, our bodies intricately mirror the interconnectedness of our inner and outer worlds.

Trushina prompts reflection on our corporeal integrity, highlighting the remarkable plasticity of our bodies intertwined with technology, yet vulnerable to ailments and decay like any organic entity. The exhibition takes direction of looking inwards rather than outwards. The material object is not at the centre of artistic practice anymore but viewed as a foundation for the transformative journey that considers body-mind-spirit continuum.

The exhibition is purposely divided into two parts and set up in different locations of London – West Brompton and Kensington. The visitors are invited to experience the two interconnected expositions. The first one at the Brompton Chapel is focused on viewing duality of the modern existence: on one hand being profoundly connected to the universe and on another hand admitting ‘cyborgian’ evolution of our bodies.  

Some sculptures and installations here resemble gym equipment that addresses the emerging posthuman condition and reflects on society's growing reliance on technology to enhance physical capabilities by blurring the lines between natural and artificial. 

The other series of works presented at the chapel serve as a metaphor for the profound attraction between planetary and human bodies and the shared substances: abstract vessel-like glass and ceramic sculptures, filled with natural elements evoke internal organs, while delicate metal pieces submerged in saltwater rust symbolise the visceral connection between blood and oxidized metal. 

The second part of the exhibition that follows Brompton is based in Exposed Projects (Kensington). It emphasises the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and spiritual well being, inviting individuals to attune themselves to the inner rhythms and energies. The exposition offers a closer look into social, mediated, energetic and fluid bodies. Through series of artist and curatorial workshops the profound wisdom of our own bodies is discovered and highlighted. Movement, mobility, stillness, and fluidity form the bedrock of both biodynamic practices and contemporary cultural theory, reshaping our understanding of corporeality and embodiment. 

This series of works converges to form an imagined Body Temple, inviting viewers to journey inward, fostering introspection and ethical inquiry into health and embodiment. Through tactile and visual experiences, the installation invites engagement with the profound interconnectedness of elements in our conception of health, care, healing, and self-awareness.

The visitors are prompted to experience the intertwining of the inner worlds and outer worlds. Embracing this perspective allows us to explore the profound and complex nature of our existence, embarking on a journey of self-discovery, connectivity, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a human.

Curators:

Tatiana Beaujoin

Anzhela Popova

Sasha Burkhanova-Khabadze