WHAT?  Haegue Yang: Leap Year 

WHERE?  Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX

WHEN?  Now until 5th January 2025 

WHY GO?  Who knew a hardware catalogue could be so inspiring?  Multi-faceted Korean artist Yang has raided the tool-box, haberdasher and DIY store to create captivating artworks that have to be seen to be believed in this innovative exhibition. 

Award winning Yang, (born 1971) lives and works in Seoul and Germany where she began her artistic career. She defies convention by creating massive installations out of venetian blinds, drying racks and light bulbs and harks back to pagan traditions and shamanism for intricate Mesmerizing Mesh origami collages. 

This awesome but puzzling retrospective, where east meets west, merges cultures in an explosive clash with surprises around every corner.  It starts at the entrance where visitors walk through a jangly curtain of mini bells to trigger their arrival. 

Central to the whole exhibition is an epic commission on the top floor; an installation of overhead Venetian blinds, wire ropes, rotating lights and electronic music created by the late Korean composer and political dissident Isang Yun, whom Yang honours with reverence.  

The music reverberates throughout the hall and chimes with a series of sculptures offering space for visitors to sit, listen and absorb, but be warned it does blast out repetitively from every speaker!

Conceptual with a capital C,  but if you seek more realism, head straight for the gorgeous origami collages, they are mini works of art.

IN THE KNOW  Conceived as a drop-in for those who want a reflective moment, the Sunset Pavilion (2002-3) above the Hayward Gallery can easily be missed on any visit.  Pop up to appreciate the Southbank skyline, enjoy a coffee or watch a video on their touch screen.  Named after the popular 1967 song by the Kinks, its reflective glass dome shape provides a cosy retreat.