Sadler's Wells, London
26 January – 5 August 2012

Sadler’s Wells is pleased to present a series of self-portraits by the artist and filmmaker Sam Taylor-Wood. The presentation coincides with the Sadler’s Wells’ Spring/Summer programme, which includes two performances by artists with whom Taylor-Wood has previously collaborated. Firstly the opening piece of the season, Ivan Putrov’s 'Men in Motion' (27-29 January) and the Pet Shop Boys and Javier De Frutos, 'The Most Incredible Thing' (25 March – 7 April).

In this presentation the artist is exhibiting her most recent series of self-portraits, 'Escape Artist' (2008). Continuing her references to the performing arts, Taylor-Wood considers the perilous techniques of Escapology, introduced in the early twentieth century by magicians and entertainers, the most notorious being Harry Houdini. Spot-lit in a darkened room, Taylor-Wood creates the illusion of levitating with the aid of some brightly coloured balloons, here floating up the entire height of the Sadler’s Wells theatre atrium. As in the fantastical tale and competition in ‘The Most Incredible Thing’ these images capture that winning moment of awe, spectacle and disbelief.

Sadler's Wells
Rosebery Avenue
London EC1R 4TN