Liam, 2018
The Smallest Gallery in Soho
A narrative response to Soho’s past and future.
Liam is the fictional abode of a Soho denizen, on the verge of erasure by London’s relentless gentrification. The installation acted as the portrait of an absent figure, using handmade and found objects, like books and postcards, to communicate his identity. A collector with a keen interest in architecture, his sexuality, failed literary career, money troubles and exploits on The Grand Tour are laid out for all to see. Individuals were invited to sit in his chair, wear his clothes, and perform Waiting for Liam.
‘Have you seen Liam? He must leave his place in 2 months. The council has sold the building to a property developer and he is being forced out of his Soho home he has lived in for the past 30 years. Liam is around 5'10", in his 50s, grey hair, dresses well, a massive ceramics collector and his partner is worried about him because he has left without taking his medication. Do get in contact with us if you see him.’
Press release
‘The more time we spend in this tiny gallery, the more we're drawn to all the fantastic little details, including newspapers on the floor, ceramic decorations copying the cornices we'd expect to find in period homes, and even poor Liam's glasses left on the drawer. As we sit in his armchair and look out on to the street through pulled back curtains, it's a strange experience. We're watching the world go by on a busy street, but passers by either don't notice us or stare back at us as if we're on sale — we hasten to add it's not that kind of window.’
Tabish Khan, The Londonist
‘The Smallest Gallery in Soho is a historic shop-front which faces onto Dean Street, in the heart of Soho. The aim of this creative space is to display artwork that captures people’s attention on their journey through Soho and encourage them to stop, think and be inspired. It hopes to transcend the rapid changes of building developments and the dispersion of the creative cohort, that was once so vibrant within the area, by exhibiting free and engaging art works to view from the street. The space was established by The Garage Soho, an early stage investor company that champions brand building and creativity.’
The Smallest Gallery in Soho
Commissioned by: The Smallest Gallery in Soho, London
Curators: Philip Levine and Andreia Costa
Founder: Moira Rizopoulos
Lighting Designer: Syntax Lighting
Photographer: Opal Turner
Media Partner: W Communications
Custom Scent: Rook Perfumes
Sponsors: Santa Cole, Cubitts, Service Point Printing, Frame Set and Match, Blacks
With Special Thanks to: The Garage Soho