After captivating over 20 million visitors worldwide, a major exhibition dedicated to M.C. Escher is coming to London for the first time this June
A major retrospective dedicated to Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher (Maurits Cornelis Escher) is coming to London for the first time this summer. Co-produced by Arthemisia and Fever, the exhibition opens its doors at Somerset House — Embankment Galleries on June 5th.
Designed to appeal to a wide audience, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity for lovers of art and mathematics alike to explore over 150 works of a remarkable artist who masterfully combined art and mathematics, giving rise to a unique and unmistakable style, expressed in his famous visual paradoxes and impossible worlds – but which goes far beyond such creations.
Curated by Federico Giudiceandrea, the leading expert on the artist’s work and vision, the display will immerse visitors in a captivating journey where they can better understand the original approach and the techniques of the master as well as the impossible perspectives and the logical structures, that help define the richness and timelessness of M.C. Escher’s universe.
Born in 1898 in Leeuwarden, in the Netherlands, M.C. Escher developed a unique visual language throughout his career, weaving together art, mathematics, and, in particular geometry. His works challenge the laws of perspective and perception, transforming reality into a fascinating play of optical illusions, impossible worlds and paradoxical architectures.
His creations, renowned for their infinite geometries and visual paradoxes, have captivated generations of artists, researchers and enthusiasts, becoming a reference for the general public. M.C. Escher’s work represents an extraordinary meeting point between scientific rigour and imagination, having a lasting influence on contemporary visual language.
By retracing the full development of M.C. Escher’s artistic career — from his earliest works to those of his mature period — and highlighting the techniques and research that shaped his practice, the exhibition guides visitors through the major themes that made the artist famous: from landscapes, tessellations, and metamorphoses, to impossible constructions and the iconic visual paradoxes that make his style instantly recognizable.
Among the most emblematic works presented in the exhibition are Hand with Reflecting Sphere (1935), Day and Night (1938), Metamorphosis II (1939-1940), Eye (1946), Relativity (1953), Print Gallery (1956), Bond of Union (1956), along with other major pieces that illustrate M.C. Escher’s extraordinary ability to create complex compositions with a striking visual impact.
In addition to iconic works, the exhibition will feature numerous educational and interactive installations designed for both adults and children. These installations allow visitors to explore the conceptual mechanisms underlying M.C. Escher’s work.
This exhibition is presented by Arthemisia, the leading Italian company internationally for the production of major art exhibitions, and Fever, the world’s leading tech platform for discovering culture and live entertainment, in collaboration with the M.C. Escher Foundation, the M.C. Escher Heritage and Maurits.
By bringing this major exhibition to the heart of London, the partnership marks a key step in Fever’s mission to democratise access to culture and live entertainment in real life.
Those interested can sign up to the waitlist on Fever’s app or website. Tickets will be available on general sale on 19 May.
Arthemisia is the leading Italian company internationally for the production and organisation of major art exhibitions. With 25 years of experience, more than 1,500 exhibitions organized worldwide, and over 60 million visitors, Arthemisia has always stood out for its high level of professionalism and innovation in the art world.
Today, it is a benchmark for anyone interested in art exhibitions; it is the only truly recognized “brand” in the exhibition sector and a model both for the subjects it presents and for its exhibition methods. Arthemisia is universally known for its outstanding results: it has transformed the idea of art from a niche product for a few professionals into a form of cultural entertainment accessible to all.
For years, Arthemisia exhibitions have ranked at the top of national and international charts in terms of visitor numbers. More information: www.arthemisia.it
Fever is the world’s leading tech platform for discovering culture and live entertainment, inspiring over 300 million people last year to discover the best experiences in over 40 countries. With a mission to democratise access to culture and entertainment in real life, Fever inspires users to enjoy unique experiences and events – from immersive exhibitions and sports to interactive theatrical performances, concerts, and festivals – while empowering its partners with data and technology to develop and expand new experiences worldwide.
The M.C. Escher Foundation was established by the artist himself in 1968, with the primary purpose of preserving the entirety of his body of work. Since its inception, the Foundation has been wholly dedicated to ensuring the meticulous conservation and promotion of the artist's œuvre, whilst actively encouraging its dissemination amongst the general public, researchers, and cultural institutions worldwide. Today, the Foundation lends its support to a broad range of cultural and scientific initiatives – encompassing exhibitions, specialist publications, conferences, and further endeavours – in order to ensure that M.C. Escher's artistic legacy remains vital, accessible, and recognised on an international scale.
The M.C. Escher Heritage is the organisation entrusted with the active safeguarding and preservation of the artist's legacy, thereby honouring his intentions and protecting both his work and his creative universe: www.mcescher.com
Furthermore, with a view to bringing M.C. Escher's legacy into an ever-evolving landscape of modern technology – encompassing multimedia installations, virtual reality, and immersive exhibitions etc. – Maurits has been entrusted with overseeing the production of content that remains wholly faithful to the artist's will and vision.
As the home of cultural innovators, Somerset House is a site of origination with a multidisciplinary cultural programme. From our historic site in the heart of London, a storied and celebrated network of neoclassical buildings, we seek to be an inspirational place to connect with culture by offering surprising and stimulating shared experiences for our visitors. We are a place of joy and discovery at the meet point of artistic and social innovation: a centre for ideas where everyone is invited to ‘Step Inside and Think Outside,’ regardless of age, professional stage or background.
To make the most of a visit to Somerset House this summer, special offers will be available exclusively to M.C. Escher exhibition ticket holders at Somerset House’s cafés and restaurants, including Aram by Imad, Café Petiole and Poon's. Somerset House is home to a range of dining and drinking destinations, run independently from some of London’s most innovative chefs – from Chinese home cooking to Syrian sharing plates, award-winning coffee to incredible plant-first cuisine, there’s something to suit every need.
- Location: Somerset House — Embankment Galleries, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
- Price: Starting from £12
- Tickets: Waitlist for pre-sale access is now live at http://feverup.com/m/637981
- Website: www.london-mc.escher-expo.com
- Assets and press materials: https://bit.ly/ESCHER_LONDON