Cute
A major exhibition exploring the irresistible force of cuteness in contemporary culture.
Archived Event
| Dates | 25 Jan - 14 Apr 2024 |
| Space | Embankment Galleries South Wing |
| Price | £18.50/Concessions from £11 |
“★★★★★ "a must-visit for any adult child of the internet age, or indeed any parent of the internet age”
The Evening Standard
“★★★★ "a brilliant exploration of an all-consuming cultural phenomenon”
Time Out
“★★★★ "a thoughtful exploration of the cult and culture of cuteness”
The Guardian
From emojis to internet memes, video games to plushie toys, food to loveable robotic design, cuteness has taken over our world. But how has something so charming and seemingly harmless – adorable, doe-eyed animals, chubby-cheeked babies, flowers, hearts, stars, sweets and other such romantic motifs – gained such traction?
CUTE brings together contemporary artworks, including new artist commissions, and cultural phenomena such as music, fashion, toys, video games and social media, in this brand-new show examining the world’s embrace of cute culture and how it has become such an influential measure of our times. It will seek to unravel cuteness’ emotive charge, revealing its extraordinary and complex power and potential.
Contributing artists include Mark Leckey, Sean-Kierre Lyons, AYA TAKANO, Mike Kelley, Karen Kilimnik, Nayland Blake, Cosima von Bonin, Hannah Diamond, Ed Fornieles, Juliana Huxtable, Rachel Maclean, Julien Ceccaldi, Paige K. B., Isaac Lythgoe, Alake Shilling, Wong Ping, Liv Preston, CFGNY, Ram Han, Maggie Lee, Bunny Rogers, Flannery Silva, Andy Holden, plus Somerset House Studios artists Chris Zhongtian Yuan, Sin Wai Kin and Sian Fan.
Principal Partner
Hotel Partner
Enjoy comfort after cuteness with an exclusive offer for 'Cute' ticket holders. Save 20% off rooms at Strand Palace Hotel, a stone's throw away from Somerset House. Receive your exclusive code with your ticket booking confirmation.
Header image: Graphic Thought Facility (1990, UK). Playing Dress Up With AI, 2023