23 January – 13 April 2025
Embankment Galleries
Tickets on-sale now
Opening Somerset House at 25 – a special year marking an extraordinary transformation to one of London’s best loved cultural ¬spaces – Somerset House presents SOIL: The World at Our Feet, a landmark exhibition unearthing the wonder of soil, its unbreakable bond to all life, and the vital role it plays in our planet’s future.
Focussing on the inter-connection of soil and all life – SOIL brings together a range of stories and responses from a group of global artists, writers and scientists. Combining sensory artworks, historical objects, scientific artefacts and documentary evidence, it sets out to inspire and educate visitors about the power and the fragility of soil, its fundamental role in human civilisation, and its remarkable potential to heal our planet. As the home of cultural innovators, this exhibition exemplifies Somerset House's role in promoting creative solutions to the biggest issues of our time, connecting creativity and the arts with wider society.
SOIL is co-curated by The Land Gardeners, Henrietta Courtauld and Bridget Elworthy; curator and writer May Rosenthal Sloan and Claire Catterall, Senior Curator at Somerset House:
“We need to start thinking of soil as something more than just dirt. It is part of a vast range of processes without which human life would not be possible. Only in the last few years have scientists really begun to unlock the secrets of soil, and there is still so much to be discovered. With this exhibition, Somerset House continues to work at the cross section of artistic and social innovation; deeply engaging in the environmental and social issues of our time. SOIL is a chance for visitors to discover how this extraordinary, essential ecosystem – as diverse as the night sky is full of stars – sustains life on Earth, including human life.
Journeying through the extraordinary stories that soil reveals, we want visitors to see the potential of this amazing material not only to transform humankind and the planet, but also to provide an important marker for a radical new intersectional, collective and collaborative way of being.”
Featuring over 50 works in a diverse range of media, including new commissions from artists such as Sam Williams, Something & Son, Semantica (Jemma Foster and Camilla French) with Juan Cortés and Vivien Sansour, this multifaceted exhibition will transport audiences on an uplifting journey across many landscapes, digging beneath the surface. Across three thematic sections, Life Below Ground, Life Above Ground and Hope - the story of SOIL will be one of humanity, providing a record of the transformational marks that geopolitical, economic and social histories leave on the skin of our planet. Each theme presents a powerful and thought-provoking interpretation, conveying feelings of movement, growth, emergence and life. Social and environmental cues are also poignantly recounted in the exhibition, through works by artists such as Jackie Summell, Annalee Davis, Eve Tagny and Fernando Laposse.
In the Great Arch Hall, artist Vivien Sansour brings to life stories of soil and its relationship to human culture. From topsoil being sold in the Caribbean to soil rehabilitation in Palestine to seed saving efforts in North America – this work – the first of SOIL’s new commissions, will be based on field work and research combined with some fantastical elements including hand notes, plants, seeds, soil, and other items from the journey of learning and being with soil and its people.
Collective Marshmallow Laser Feast – known for their spectacular immersive art and technology fusions – present never before seen work, Poetics of Soil. This multimedia artwork also reveals the hidden kingdoms of life underground. Following a similar theme is National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson who also reveals the hidden roots to the world, through Big Bluestem – an impressive 13ft high photograph.
This exhibition illustrates how soil is the great interconnector, making all life on Earth possible, and its crucial relationship particularly to human civilisation with emotive stories of ritual, agricultural practices and cultural significance. Artists Herman de Vries, Miranda Whall, Ana Mendieta, Somerset House Studios artist Sam Williams, amongst many others, encapsulate the precarious symbiosis of human, non-human and soil. Human impact is extensively explored, with moving artworks attesting to the fragility of our planet but also inspiring stories of change. Somerset House Studios artist Maeve Brennan addresses the landscape of plastic waste and the temporality of the industrial age with film installation With Horses.
The finale to the exhibition will give visitors the creative space to think more deeply about soil’s vital role in sustaining life on Earth, now and in the future, encouraging them to leave full of possibility, hope and energy. Conceived by Somerset House Studios residents, Something & Son, in collaboration with The Land Gardeners, this section demonstrates processes within soil as well as opportunities to watch films, read and learn about people and communities finding new, creative ways to understand and nourish the soil from around the world.
Interspersed throughout the exhibition will be In-Focus zones curated by The Land Gardeners in collaboration with film-maker Joya Berrow. These are supported by Mars, which, as part of its 2050 net zero commitments, has a focus on regenerative, climate-smart agricultural practices. The In-Focus zones will bring in voices of scientists and other experts, to give further clarity on key concepts of soil – augmenting the message of the exhibition told through artworks. Visitors will also be able to take part in a lively events programme and contribute their own hopes, leaving the exhibition feeling inspired and optimistic for the future of soil and our planet.
With SOIL, Somerset House is giving visitors the creative space to think more deeply about soil’s vital and dramatic role in sustaining life on Earth, now and in the future. This exhibition hopes to inspire change - and to instil a sense of awe and optimism in those willing to dig below the surface of a world they only thought they knew.
Participating artists include: Anya Gallaccio, Ana Mendieta, Annalee Davis, Asad Raza, Asunción Molinos Gordo, Clare Richardson, Daro Montag, Diana Scherer, Eve Tagny, Fatima Alaiwat, Fernando Laposse, France Bourely, Harun Morrison, herman de vries, Howard Sooley, Jackie Summell, Jim Richardson, Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige, Jo Pearl, Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck, Ken Griffiths, Kim Norton, Lauren Gault, Maeve Brennan, Marguerite Humeau, Mariana Heilmann, Marshmallow Laser Feast, Michael Landy, Mike Perry, Miranda Whall, Sam Williams, Semantica (Jemma Foster and Camilla French) with Juan Cortés, Something & Son, Theo Panagopoulos, Tim Cockerill and Elze Hesse, Vivien Sansour, Wim van Egmond.
Relaxed Sessions
There will be two relaxed sessions for anyone who would like to explore SOIL in a calm and comfortable environment, including people with autism and other neurodiverse needs, as well as their siblings, families and carers. These will be held on Friday 30 January 10.00 – 11.00 and Saturday 8 March 18.30 – 20.00.
SOIL Catalogue
The exhibition will be accompanied by an illustrated publication featuring texts by The Land Gardeners and May Rosenthal Sloan, as well as contributions from writers including Jennifer Kabat, Nicole Masters, Dave Goulson and Claire Ratinon. Design by Hato.
SOIL Public Programme
The exhibition will feature a programme of talks and events, to be announced shortly.
Exhibition design
SpaceBroth 3D designers are developing the exhibition design, with a focus on incorporating compostable elements throughout the build, with creative studio Hato commissioned for 2D design as well as the exhibition catalogue.
SOIL Digital Programme
Developed in response to the exhibition, the digital programme will feature a short film documentary and three-part podcast series presented on Channel, Somerset House’s online curated space for art, ideas and the artistic process.
CHANNEL
Powered by Somerset House Studios, Channel draws on Somerset House’s unique community to drive a distinctive and evolving programme of new commissions, original films, talks, podcasts and curated content: channel.somersethouse.org.uk
SUPPORT AND THANKS
Mars is associate sponsor of the exhibition.
The public programme is presented with support from Gaia Art Foundation and the World Living Soils Forum by Moët Hennessy. We will be announcing further details as to specific events included in the programme later in the autumn.
The Nadezda Foundation is kindly supporting our young people’s guide to the exhibition. With thanks to The Finnis Scott Foundation towards the In-Focus Zones and Westminster City Council towards the exhibition.
We are grateful to our Soil Champions, including Agreena, Farmacy London and Greenwood Place.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Dates: 23 January – 13 April 2025
Tickets: on sale here
Press enquiries: Sahar.Beyad@somersethouse.org.uk
Press images: High-res images here
Website: www.somersethouse.org.uk
Somerset House Facebook: www.facebook.com/SomersetHouse
Somerset House Twitter & Instagram: @SomersetHouse
ABOUT SOMERSET HOUSE
As the home of cultural innovators, Somerset House is a site of origination, with a cultural programme offering alternative perspectives on the biggest issues of our time. We are a place of joy and discovery, where everyone is invited to Step Inside and Think Outside.
From our historic site in the heart of London, we work globally across art, creativity, business, and non-profit, nurturing new talent, methods and technologies. Our resident community of creative enterprises, arts organisations, artists and makers, makes us a centre of ideas, with most of our programme home-grown.
We sit at the meeting point of artistic and social innovation, bringing worlds and minds together to create surprising and often magical results. Our spirit of constant curiosity and counter perspective is integral to our history and key to our future. https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/
ABOUT THE LAND GARDENERS
Henrietta Courtauld and Bridget Elworthy established The Land Gardeners to research plant and soil health through growing, cutting and designing. The mission of The Land Gardeners is to work with gardeners and farmers to improve the health of our land – creating beautiful, healthy plants, gardens, and farms brimming with biodiversity and life – all founded on healthy soil.
The Land Gardeners ran an organic cut flower business from their garden in Oxfordshire, they design gardens, and they make and sell microbial compost to gardeners and farmers. They have written three books – their latest book, "The Land Gardeners Soil to Table" which reflects their overriding passion for the link between soil health and the food we eat. They are collaborating with the Organic Research Centre on “Feed The Soil” project running farm-scale trials of non-chemical ways of feeding the soils and have recently launched their on-line educational platform SOIL to educate and empower farmers, growers and gardeners https://www.thelandgardeners.com/
ABOUT MAY ROSENTHAL SLOAN
May Rosenthal Sloan is a Glasgow-based, London-bred curator, writer and educator. She co-curated the V&A exhibition Food: Bigger than the Plate (2019) and was formerly a lecturer in Modern American History at the University of Glasgow. Her research interests include food and food systems, storytelling and constructions of identity, and the role of design and art in everyday life.
ABOUT MARS, INCORPORATED
Support for the In-Focus zones highlight Mars’ commitment to net zero by 2050, with a focus on regenerative, climate-smart agricultural practices, such as improving soil health, promoting low-carbon farming, and boosting farmers’ climate resilience.
Mars, Incorporated, is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $50bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M’s®, SNICKERS® and BEN’S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles—Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom—inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet. For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Header image - Unearthed - Mycelium by Jo Pearl © Elsa Pearl