Visiting the Minotaur

You know when you find a link to an event that looks like it might have potential but requires the outlay of a small amount of cash, a walk through some dodgy part of London and dealing with ladies with clipboards?  Yeah, this was like that but actually completely worth it. 

The Minotaur exhibition is the latest from Lazarides Gallery Group, combining lots of different artist’s work around a central theme, this time it was ‘The Minotaur’.  There were paintings, sculptures, experiential tunnels (requiring the signing of waivers) and a brilliant bar at the end of it all.

Minotaur eating annoying lady...

The setting was the less than welcoming Old Vic Tunnels under Waterloo Station.  According to the blurb they were ‘discovered’ in 2009, having lain empty for over 20 years.  Hmm, so far so far fetched…I mean, what did people think was holding up Waterloo concourse?  Good will?  Anyways…  It’s a pretty spooky space, much like Shunt under London Bridge but smaller, less well ventilated and in more rubbish condition.

Dominique Strauss Kahn as the Minotaur?

The collection of art works were pretty cool though, many different interpretations of the story and some random stuff that only a professional art blurb writer could have tied in.  Giant ball of rats anyone?  Gross.

Vermin Death Star by David Falconer

On the other hand this moving picture, reflected in water on the floor was really mesmerising.

by Doug Foster

by Doug Foster

The experiential ‘labyrinth’ was especially great.  You had to sign a waiver that you were in sound health and that you wouldn’t blame them if harm came to you.  Then walk about in tunnels they’d constructed, with lots of sharp turns so you couldn’t see what was coming.  I was too frightened to take any pics, it really had my heart going!  Nothing happened of course but the idea of it was very powerful.  Sam, it should be noted, insisted on me going first.  I’ll leave you to draw your own conclusions.

We ended up drinking cocktails in the sort of rich-Russian, louche bar full of beautiful people that you only see on tv usually.  It was definitely an interesting place.  Lots of fur coats, champagne and perfect hair.  We fitted in perfectly…obviously.

If you get the chance to check out one of their shows I would definitely go for it.