WHAT?  SOIL: The World at Our Feet

WHERE? Somerset House, Embankment Galleries, Strand, London WC2R 1LA

WHEN? Now until 13th April 

WHY GO?  To dig into the art of soil.  Who knew an earthy subject such as soil could capture the imagination as it does in this new and timely exhibition? 

Surprisingly SOIL provides an inspiring topic to dig deep below the surface and investigate further.

Life below and above ground are examined forensically, and if that sounds dull, it isn’t when you look at beautiful images of shoots and roots displayed in this pertinent exhibition. 

There could never be a more appropriate time to question our relationship with the land and soil connects us to everything around us.  

This cultural foray into it is a collaborative way of bringing science, art and activism issues to the forefront of everyone’s agenda. 

Photographers, artists, sculptors, even musicians who have recorded the sounds of microbial life in soil are featured, causing us to marvel at our natural world.

From agricultural patterns in the Nile valley to global charts of colourful soil variations, there are thought provoking images, though nothing can quite match the beauty of an English country garden.  Glorious Great Dixter in East Sussex is captured by filmmaker and biodynamic gardener Howard Sooley and provides a tranquil meditative moment. 

IN THE KNOW For curious foodies, Tasting Soil is tempting.  Somerset House will host two explorative taster evenings in Cafe Petiole with Farmacy chef Johnnie Collins who 

promises to deliver hyper-seasonal food to complement the exhibition engineered to enhance the nutrient variation of foods grown in soil.

The mind boggles! Check online, 6-7th March at 19.00