Curated by artist and lifelong Beano fan Andy Holden, this landmark exhibition includes over 100 comic artworks from the Beano archive, including original drawings never previously seen in public, charting the comic’s 83-year history of mayhem-making. Over 50 contemporary artists have been brought together as some of today’s greatest creative rule-breakers. All contributing artists share a rebellious sensibility, often mixing comedy with subtly coded social commentary, such as artist duo Gilbert & George, sculptor Phyllida Barlow and artist Sarah Lucas. Some artists also express a very personal appreciation of Beano through their works, acknowledging the influence of comics on their artistic practice, including writer Alex Wheatle, Oscar-winning animator Nick Park and artist Nicola Lane who reimagines Dennis as he turns 70 this year. Audacious contemporary artworks hang on the walls of larger-than-life recreations of Beano’s most iconic settings as if stepping inside the pages of the comic. Interactive installations for all the family include: Peter Liversidge’s patchwork of protest signs, giving visitors the chance to do away with the old world order and choose a new rule for life, painted live in the exhibition; jukebox filled with music influenced by Beano’s rebellious streak – curated by Bob Stanley of indie dance band Saint Etienne – inviting visitors to choose the soundtrack to the show, and a new catapult game allowing audiences to take (virtual) aim at the world’s great works of art
| Duration | 21 October 2021 - 06 March 2022 |
| Times | see website |
| Cost | £16 |
| Venue | Somerset House |
| Address | The Strand, London, WC2R 1LA |
| Contact | / info@somersethouse.org.uk / www.somersethouse.org.uk |