Exhibition02.10.202423.02.2025
ON SHOW
FREE

FRIENDS IN LOVE AND WAR - L’ÉLOGE DES MEILLEUR·ES ENNEMI·ES.

Works from the British Council Collection and macLYON

Exhibition02.10.202423.02.2025
ON SHOW
FREE

FRIENDS IN LOVE AND WAR - L’ÉLOGE DES MEILLEUR·ES ENNEMI·ES.

Works from the British Council Collection and macLYON

Ikon and macLYON present works by over twenty artists from the British Council Collection and macLYON that explore the theme of friendship.  

Curated collaboratively, the exhibition interrogates friendship as a fundamental human relationship that is essential to individual well-being and society. Taking place in the partner cities of Birmingham and Lyon, Friends in Love and War – L’Éloge des meilleur·es ennemi·es also reflects on diplomatic friendships and how regional capitals and cultural organisations can create new ways of living and working together in a post-Brexit climate. The exhibition spans painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, textile, film, sculpture and installation, combining existing and new works by international and Birmingham-based artists to form a rich depiction of our complex personal and political friendships. 

Artists: Kenneth Armitage, Sonia Boyce, Tereza Bušková, Pogus Caesar, Patrick Caulfield, Jimmie Durham, Tracey Emin, Marie-Anita Gaube, Lola Gonzàlez, Emma Hart, Lubaina Himid, Géraldine Kosiak, Delaine Le Bas, Markéta Luskacová, Rachel Maclean, Goshka Macuga, Madame Yevonde, Gordon Matta-Clark, Hetain Patel, Paula Rego, Luke Routledge, Niek van de Steeg, Francis Upritchard, Fabien Verschaere, Gillian Wearing, Bedwyr Williams, Rose Wylie and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye.

This exhibition is supported by the British Council and is presented as part of UK/France Spotlight on Culture 2024 Together We Imagine, with additional support from Fluxus Art Projects and Birmingham City University.

This exhibition is presented as part of Ikon’s 60th anniversary year.

Free Digital Guide

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Fabien Verschaere: Two Loves, Two Times, Two Ways

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Exhibition Details

2 October 2024 – 23 February 2025

Open Tuesday – Sunday, 11am-5pm. Christmas opening times.

Free entry, please consider making a donation

This exhibition is on the First and Second Floors

Information on Ikon Gallery’s accessibility is available here

For additional access enquiries please contact education@ikon-gallery.org

Visitor Survey 

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Ikon Gallery

1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2HS

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