London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE is currently hosting the captivating exhibition “Performance of Entrapment” by twin artists Jane and Louise Wilson. Opening on July 17, 2025, the exhibition will be on view until January 17, 2026.
This striking installation is centered around 2,000-year-old oak piles unearthed during excavations for Bloomberg’s European headquarters. These ancient timbers are believed to have once supported a crossing over the now-lost River Walbrook. Using microscopic imagery and DNA sequencing from the wood, the Wilsons have created large-scale, visually layered works that bring history to life.
Performance of Entrapment also draws intriguing parallels between London’s Roman Temple of Mithras and Japan’s Ise Jingu Shrine. Both are sacred sites rich in iconography and archaeological significance. In a film produced in collaboration with officials from Ise Jingu, the artists explore themes of sisterhood, duality, and renewal—accompanied by the traditional Japanese folk dance group, Ise Ondo. By blending film, archaeology, and contemporary art, the exhibition offers a powerful reflection on ancient temples, memory, and the passage of time.
Born in 1967 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, Jane and Louise Wilson have worked together as a collaborative duo for over two decades. Renowned for their work across film, photography, sculpture, and installation, the Wilsons often engage with politically and historically charged spaces. They are both Royal Academicians and serve as Joint Professors of Fine Art at Newcastle University.
Visitor Information
Artists: Jane and Louise Wilson
Exhibition Title: Performance of Entrapment
Venue: London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE
Address: 12 Walbrook, EC4N 8AA, London
Dates: July 17, 2025 – January 17, 2026
Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
This unique exhibition offers an unmissable opportunity to experience the intersection of ancient history and contemporary art—a powerful invitation to reflect on the marks the past leaves on the present.
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