Audio Described Tour with Lisa Squirrel
Unravel: The Power and Politics of Textiles in Art
Explore works from Unravel: The Power and Politics of Textiles in Art. Suitable for blind and partially sighted visitors to the gallery, led by Lisa Squirrel who will describe key works on display.
Using textiles, fibre and thread, 50 international artists challenge power structures and reimagine the world in this major group exhibition.
Textiles cover and protect us, engage our senses, trigger our memories, represent our beliefs, hold our stories. We are wrapped in cloth when we’re born and enshrouded in it when we die.
As an artistic medium, textiles can speak to the joys and pains of being human, as well as the larger structures and systems that shape our world.
In this major group exhibition, 50 international, intergenerational artists use textiles to communicate vital ideas about power, resistance and survival. From intimate hand-crafted pieces to monumental sculptural installations, these works offer narratives of violence, imperialism and exclusion alongside stories of resilience, love and hope.
Content note
Please be advised that some works in this exhibition contain nudity, some works contain references to forms of systemic violence including police brutality, sexual violence, colonialism, racism and the transatlantic slave trade. Please ask at the ticket desk for more information.
Update: works on display
Several works have been withdrawn as an act of solidarity with Palestine in response to the Barbican’s decision not to host the London Review of Books (LRB) Winter Lecture Series. We respect the decisions of the artists and lenders involved and you can read our statement on this here. The below list of participating artists shows the artists whose works have been withdrawn.
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Art Gallery
Location
The Art Gallery is located on Level 3 and can be accessed by stairs and lifts from Level G or via the Sculpture Court if coming from outside.
Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Access
Doors normally in open position during exhibition hours. Ticket desk 98cm with a drop section of 76cm. Step-free access on each floor of the Art Gallery.
Mobility
The Art Gallery has two levels, linked by a flight of 24 stairs with an intermediate landing. A passengeroperated lift (76 x 110cm) connects the two floors. If you need assistance, staff will be happy to help.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the gallery staff during your visit.
Large-print exhibition information
To request a large print copy, please call the Art Gallery on 020 7382 2382 before your visit.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
Enhanced security measures are currently in place at the Barbican.
As part of these measures only one reasonably-sized bag (no larger than 32cm L x 18cm W x 22cm H) per person may be taken inside our venues and all bags may be searched by a member of our team.
We ask that, where possible, visitors avoid bringing large bags to the Centre. If you do need to check bags into our free cloakrooms, we suggest arriving early. All bags deposited will be subject to search and random bag searches are also in operation.
Please also remember that belongings should not be left unattended at any time.
Thank you for your understanding – we look forward to welcoming you to the Barbican.
Unravel
The Power and Politics of Textiles in Art
Public programme
